Weather proof alternative
With water restrictions, climate change and drought having an impact on Victoria's sporting ovals in recent years, some councils are turning to synthetic grounds.
Whilst a synthetic ground is more expensive to build than a natural facility, the maintenance cost is approximately half, and in some cases a synthetic facility can be used for over 60 hours a week.
Some examples of synthetic grounds around Victoria can be found below:
Example #1 - Kurunjang Reserve (Melton)
Kurunjang specifications below
Example #2 - JJ Holland Park (Kensington)
Cost: $1.3 Million
Further information on JJ Holland Park can be found on the City of Melbourne Website:
melbourne.vic.gov.au/ParksandActivities/ActiveMelbourne/JJHollandPark/Pages/SyntheticInfo.aspx
Example #3 - Point Cook Reserve (Wyndham City Council)
Cost: $2.4 million
Wyndham City Council are currently constructing Australia's first full sized, synthetically surfaced football/cricket oval.
The Artificial Grass for Sport Guide can be downloaded for free here. The cricket specific section is located on page 30:
dpcd.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0007/58912/ArtificialGrassForSportGuide.pdf
