WATER-LOGGED PARKS

Press, Volume LXV, Issue 19690, 6 August 1929, Page 4

WATER-LOGGED PARKS

SPORTS CLUBS DEFY COUNCIL. "The Superintendent reports that during wet weather many of the City parks become either flooded or saturated to such an extent that the playing of games of any kind would do a considerable amount of harm to the iurf," stated the report of the Reserves Committee to the City Council last evening. "Some years ago instructions were given to the caretakers of the various parks to the effect that if in their opinion the parks were not fit fpr the playing of games, they were to stop such games. In spite of this, however, several clubs have persisted in playing The committee has therefore brought the matter under the notice of the controlling bodies of the various sports concGrnGtl " Cr. F. R. Cooke said that while all were in favour of sports, it had to be recognised that to play on waterlogged ground involved a good deal of unnecessary expense. It was the duty of those responsible to carry out the Council's wishes and it was therefore necessary to bring the matter under their notice. Cr. M. E. Lyons said that a tremendous amount of damage had been done to Sydenham Park through it being played on when in a bad condition. Sports bodies should be in firm tones that they should respect the instructions of the City Council in this respect. Cr. J. Parlane said the matter was most important. He had been struck by the bad appearance of the turf on many of the parks. The grass needed top-dressing and resowing, and this showed neglect on the part of someone. Cr. P. \V. said the caretaker had the power to warn the players off, but in some cases they persisted. Should this continue, the committee would ask for power to prohibit certain teams from playing. St. Albans Park was badly drained, but it was intended to make improvements. The report was adopted.