Our parks stay open

Porirua City Council has elected to keep sports grounds open for pre-season training for winter sports.

Despite the drought and outdoor water bans, Porirua sports grounds are in good condition and are in the condition expected of them at this time of the year, says the council’s Leisure Assets and Services manager Karyn Stillwell.

Porirua sports grounds are not being irrigated and council staff will be carrying out daily condition assessments and monitoring usage.

‘‘ Our parks maintenance team will check the turfs every day. If we think the condition of a sport ground is deteriorating, we will act quickly and, if necessary, help clubs find an alternative training space,’’ says Ms Stillwell.

Council staff have notified the affected clubs, who have been advised of the seriousness of the situation and have been asked to act promptly in ceasing use of a field if requested.

‘‘I’d encourage anyone wishing to check the availability of sports fields in Porirua City at any time of the year, to go to our Sports Grounds Status website at pcc.govt.nz,’’ she says.

Last week Wellington and Hutt Valley councils banned all sports training on grass fields due to the region’s water use restrictions. It was hoped the ban would help maintain grass cover through the winter months.

The move has mainly affected preseason training for winter sports, which start next week.