Upgrade to Bathurst’s premier football complex is due to be completed by April 13, weather permitting but there’s still some work to be done.

While turfed has been laid on field one and two, it’s anticipated that turf will be laid on field three this week.

Specially Dubbo-grown legend couch grass has been used, with it to remain dormant during winter, while rye grass will be sown over to keep the grass green in the colder months. 

The turf laying is not the only work to be completed at Proctor Park across the next several weeks.

“Other works progressing include retaining walls and concrete paths to the perimeter of the new fields,” Bathurst mayor Graeme Hanger said.

“Fencing will also be installed to each of the two new fields as part of the overall works. This is expected to commence from Monday 26 March, pending weather.” 

Turf on field one has been topped dressed and its roots are established by almost 20 centimeters, with field two to be established in three weeks.

The first round of Bathurst District Football (BDF) men’s and women’s senior competitions have a tentative start date for April 7, almost a week before work is due to be completed. 

Whether football starts on the first weekend of April or not, work should not be a problem according to BDF president Andrew Speed.

“Council has provided an extra field at Police Paddock, which means we have five fields to play on instead of four,” he said. 

“Once they’re ready to go, we’ll start playing football.”

All up, BDF will have seven fields to pick from, as fields four and five at Proctor Park remain usable despite redevelopment work taking place at field one, two and three. 

Once work is completed at three fields, Proctor Park will conform to national standards.

“These fields will have the ability to cope with higher usage,” Mr Hanger said. 

“These fields are to be constructed with substantial in field drainage, an efficient irrigation system and items such as new goal posts, lighting and player benches.”