CRESWICK’S much-maligned Doug Lindsay Reserve continues along the road to recovery.
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Significant drainage works are underway at the facility following confirmation of the next stage of funding from the Hepburn Shire Council.
Creswick Football Netball Club president Mick Alsop said initial drainage works – inside the 50m arc at the northern end of the ground – had resulted in a significant improvement to that section of the surface during the 2015 football season.
And because those test works proved effective, they will now be extended to an area including the club rooms side wing and part of the centre square before the Wickers’ 2016 campaign.
“People from within the club are helping out as much as we can. (Jason Scholten from Tree Top Tower Hire) has got his own trucks and excavators. He is driving them and supplying the labour and equipment for nothing so we can put as much of the funding towards piping and materials, rather than paying contractors to do the work.
“Geoff Hepworth Plumbing completed last year’s works and is also working in a similar fashion on the pipework extension.
“We are not expecting the oval to be absolutely perfect this year, but there will be a massive difference compared to the past. And at least now we can see the end in sight because it has already been approved for the work to continue next season for the remaining half of the oval.”
In the lead-up to the 2017 season, the rest of the ground – including the other wing and 50m arc – is expected to be fitted with new drainage.
The facility has been the subject of heavy criticism in recent years, particularly during winter months when the rain has not been able to escape from the playing surface.
Works have also commenced on an upgrade to the netball courts at Doug Lindsay Reserve.
There will be a resurfacing of asphalt, with two of the three courts set to be covered with a non-slip coating. Fencing will be put up around the perimeter of the precinct, with lights also set to be installed.