Recreation Ground irrigation system

A newly installed irrigation system on the Queenstown Recreation Ground will improve the surface during summer, Queenstown Lakes District Council community services committee chairman Leigh Overton said.


Signs had gone up to encourage people to stay off the ground until the grass seeded in the irrigation lines had an opportunity to grow, Councillor Overton said.


Delays in re-establishing the ground after the system was installed meant timing would be tight to ensure the field was in top condition for the televised national Rugby Sevens tournament on the grounds on January 12. It had also seen some local games need to be relocated.


“We are certainly grateful to those teams which have made other arrangements. Our contractors are telling us that with the warm temperatures and aided by the new irrigation scheme the grounds will be looking good in time for the big event Councillor Overton said.


The new system would benefit all users into the future, he said.


Meanwhile, ‘Sevens With Altitude’ organising committee chairman Clark Frew said the committee appreciated the community's investment in the Queenstown Recreation Ground.


He was confident it would be in excellent condition for the tournament.


“But we still need people to continue to respect the signage and stay off the new grass,” Councillor Overton said.