Thousands of local sports fans flock to Police Paddocks Reserve each week to cheer on their favourite teams, rarely sparing a thought for the grass beneath their feet. Yet, the playing surface can make all the difference to the quality of the game – and now that surface is getting a high-tech upgrade.
Police Paddocks Reserve, home of the Dandenong City Soccer Club, has just unveiled a hybrid playing surface that blends natural turf with high-quality synthetic fibres to deliver a competition-standard pitch that supports community sport, talent development and local participation.
“The principle is simple, but the impact is huge,” Mayor Sophie Tan said. “By stitching synthetic turf into natural grass, we’re creating a stronger, more durable surface that recovers faster, has greater wear capacity and can handle more games. This is about giving our players the best possible conditions to shine.”
Over the past week, a state-of-the-art machine has “knitted” the recently laid natural couch grass surface with synthetic fibres in high-use areas such as goal squares, ensuring the pitch meets National Premier League (NPL) standards. Council has also invested in replacing sprinkler heads across the pitch, improving irrigation efficiency and ensuring water is used effectively.
“Instead of replacing turf every year, we’re investing in a long-term solution that saves money and resources and reduces fertiliser while delivering a professional-quality surface. It’s smart, it’s sustainable and it’s fantastic for our sporting community.”
With responsible pitch management and collaboration from club stakeholders, Pitch 1 is expected to become one of the leading playing surfaces in the NPL competition.
“This pitch upgrade means local footballers now have access to top-grade facilities at Police Paddocks, bringing it in line with other premier venues such as George Andrews Reserve, Shepley Reserve and Ross Reserve,” Cr Tan said.
“It’s a win for players, a win for fans and a win for the future of sport in Greater Dandenong.”