Forrest Field closed for turf replacement; practice pitch remains open
The artificial playing surface at Forrest Field in Ladysmith is being replaced after 14 years of use, the town said, with contractors removing the original turf and fitting a modern multi-sport surface. The replacement project is expected to improve footing and performance for the many clubs and community groups who use the facility.
The town said the original turf, installed in 2012, had reached the end of its expected service life and that the field would be closed for what the municipality hopes will be about four weeks. A nearby practice warm-up pitch will remain open for users while work continues.
“As far as the old turf, it has been removed as part of the replacement project,” the town said. “Sections of the material that can be recycled or repurposed will be managed through the contractor’s disposal and recycling programme, where feasible.”
What residents and clubs need to know
- The project has been carried out in stages; in recent weeks work has progressed and the town expects the main field to reopen around 25 September, according to reporting.
- The replacement surface is described by the town as a modern, multi-sport product suitable for soccer, lacrosse, ultimate frisbee, football and other activities that regularly use Forrest Field.
- Contractors removed the old rubber infill; the town said vacuumed rubber chips have been retained for possible re-use, which should reduce the amount of new infill required.
The town reported the replacement is being completed at a cost of approximately $960,000. It also noted that although the new turf is similar in purpose to the previous surface, advances in turf technology over the last 14 years have improved materials and performance characteristics.
Usage and maintenance
Forrest Field is heavily used throughout the year by a broad cross-section of the community, from youth teams through to adult leagues. The town emphasised that maintaining a safe, reliable playing surface for all users was a primary reason for proceeding with the replacement.
According to the town, routine inspections, cleaning and grooming form part of the field’s ongoing maintenance plan; the replacement project also included attention to how removed materials would be handled and whether sections could be recycled or repurposed.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Original turf installed | 2012 |
| Replacement cost (reported) | $960,000 |
| Expected closure | About four weeks |
| Anticipated reopening (reported) | 25 September (recent reporting) |
Local impact
Clubs and organisers who regularly schedule matches and trainings at Forrest Field will need to make alternative arrangements for fixtures during the temporary closure. The town’s statement that the warm-up pitch will remain available should provide some relief for training sessions, but competition matches may need to move to other venues.
Recycling and reuse of removed materials is also a practical consideration for the municipality’s budget and environmental commitments. The town said contractors have vacuumed up rubber infill and aimed to re-use it where feasible, reducing the demand for new infill and helping contain project costs.
Residents with questions about booking, cancellations or alternative facilities are advised to follow the town’s official notices and contact the municipal recreation office for the latest information on availability and scheduling.
The replacement of Forrest Field’s turf is one part of the town’s broader responsibility to maintain community sports infrastructure that supports local grassroots sport, school fixtures and weekend leagues. The town said it will continue monitoring the new surface to ensure it meets safety and performance expectations.
