Following recent community discussion regarding cricket wickets located on dual-use sporting grounds, we'd like to share the measures being undertaken across the City of Port Phillip sporting reserves.
We regularly inspect and maintain sports grounds to support safe and high-quality playing conditions for all users. As part of our mid-season maintenance program, all cricket wicket surrounds were recently re-sanded to remove surface level differences and improve the transition between wicket covers and the surrounding turf.
Additional maintenance works are also underway, including brushing and infill application (using black rubber) to the wicket cover surfaces. These treatments are designed to further reduce surface hardness and optimise playing conditions.
Hardness testing of all cricket wicket covers was completed earlier this month using a Clegg Hammer, an industry-standard tool used to assess surface hardness. A further round of testing will be undertaken next week to assess the effectiveness of the recent maintenance works and ensure surfaces continue to meet the required standards.
We will continue to monitor and maintain sporting reserves throughout the season as part of our regular asset management and sports ground maintenance programs.
