A new drainage system will be installed by the Shire of Dardanup at Glen Huon Reserve prior to the 2018 football season to assist with waterlogging issues at the oval during the winter months.
Council agreed at its meeting last week to allocate $135,000 to the project which will provide an interim measure for improving the oval surface by addressing the oval’s drainage problems until government funding support could be sourced for a full renovation of the oval.
Under the project, 25 100mm drains will be installed below the surface at six metre spacings. The system can be expanded in the future as part of further redevelopment works.
Staff will investigate the possibility of sourcing turf from other reserves to lay over the trenches to speed up the recovery of the grass if required.
Council’s resolution won’t require the Bunbury and Districts Softball Association to relocate their 2017/18 Teeball season as the works are planned to occur during the eight-week break in their season.
The Shire of Dardanup previously installed a similar subsoil drainage system at Wells Park in Dardanup.
The installation method, as tested at Wells Park, involves cutting narrow trenches that grass will be able to cover naturally during the active growing season, rather than traditional trenching methods which are much wider and would attract an additional cost for turf replacement.
In his report to council, director of engineering and development services Luke Botica said full redevelopment of Glen Huon Oval could be up to five years away and, as well as being dependent on funding availability, would be subject to final plans for the Eaton Town Centre and Eaton Fair expansion.
