We taken handover of our Lark Hill Sportsplex grounds and we've completed a preliminary assessment of the playing areas.  There is a lot of work to do between now and the start of the season, and with just 2 weeks remaining before the first ball is pitched - we'll be racing the clock to get the grounds in the best condition we can.

Key observations from the first review,

• Backnets and fencing has significant damage, particularly on Diamond 1.  Some of the backnets have excessive slackness and there are holes that need repair or in some cases, replacement.
• Most of the diamonds need maintenance in areas where the ground is raised or sunken.  Particular attention to the pitching mat on Diamond 3 and the cutout areas on Diamond 2 (3rd base area is bad).
• There are prolific broadleaf weeds across the entirety of the playing surfaces, particularly bad on the front diamonds.
• The ants are building an ant city on the middle of the back diamonds, particularly bad around second base area on Diamond 5.  
• There are some missing signs, other general wear and tear issues.

We've already engaged with the council and leading hand at the Sportsplex administration to begin remediation work.  Spraying of the broadleaf weeds and the treating the troublesome ants should occur next week, we will confirm the dates so our members know to avoid these areas when this happens.

The work to level out the diamonds will be our next priority, as safety and injury avoidance are our top priorities.  We'll also seek to remedy the broken backnets and fences as quickly as possible, as these may alter diamond available if they can't be made safe.

We hope to get the home run fences back in place this weekend and we really appreciate anyone who has responded to the Facebook post and is willing to help.

Bring on Summer Softball!

Lyle