TO prepare for the upcoming summer sport season, all ACT Government sportsgrounds will close for two-weeks from Sunday (September 17).

The annual spring sprotsground renovation program is focused on repairing surfaces damaged through the winter sport season, and on giving grounds a much-needed break prior to the start of summer competitions.

The program includes applying fertiliser to assist turf growth and to re-establish turf density prior to summer commencement.

Other restoration activities include aeration, top dressing, oversewing of bare or sparse areas to achieve an even turf cover, and day time irrigation to help establish new grass seeds.

Goal posts will be removed from the majority of winter sportsgrounds and back nets will be installed on grounds where softball and baseball are played. Crease markings on cricket wickets will also be marked prior to the start of the cricket season and athletic facilities will have long jump pits topped up with sand.

This maintenance period is carried out twice yearly, at the beginning and end of the summer sport season.

The ACT Government manages 127 irrigated sportsgrounds across Canberra, which will reopen on Friday, September 30.