Sports ground closures and wet weather

Sportsground status

Poor weather conditions or other factors may mean that a sportsground is unable to be used for a period of time.

To find out if a ground is closed, check below for updates or call the Wet Weather Line on 9391 7916 for a recorded message. Signs may also be placed at the grounds.

In the event of wet weather, updates to the status of sportsgrounds will be published on this page by 2pm on weekdays.

Last updated: 8 April 2024

Andrew Petrie Oval - OPEN
Christison Park 1 - OPEN
Christison Park 2 - OPEN
Christison Park 3 - CLOSED due to maintenance works until 18 May 2024 
Christison Park 4 - OPEN 
Lough Playing Fields - OPEN 
Lower Cooper Park - OPEN 
Lyne Park Mini field - OPEN
Lyne Park Sportsfield - OPEN 
Rushcutters Bay Park 1 - OPEN 
Rushcutters Bay Park 2 - OPEN 
Steyne Park - OPEN 
Trumper Park Oval - OPEN 
Woollahra Oval 2 - OPEN 
Woollahra Oval 3 - OPEN 

Wet weather procedure

Failure to comply with Council's wet weather procedure may result in the applicant banned from use of the field for the entire season.

Woollahra Council Wet Weather Line 9391 7916 is updated by 2pm on weekdays and 2pm on Fridays for weekend use. This is a recorded message providing the most up-to-date status of sports grounds in the Council. However, the last time the Wet Weather Hotline is updated is 2pm on Friday. Therefore in the event of excessive rain over Friday night or Saturday, use common sense as to whether playing will damage the surface beyond general wear and tear.

In the event of excessive wet weather, ground signs will take precedence over the wet weather line and website.

As a guide, training or play is likely to cause damage to the playing surface if the field demonstrates any of the following characteristics:

  • surface water present
  • water rises to the surface when walking across the surface (this indicates soil is at its saturation point)
  • surface is slippery to walk on, or grass surface is dislodged easily.

This procedure is intended to apply in situations where wet weather, and the playing of matches affect Council's sports fields or training on playing fields will result in damage to the playing surface.

Damage to the playing surface is defined as being beyond general wear and tear.

Reasons for ground closure

The Council may close any ground as a result of, specialist ground maintenance, wet weather, if the ground surface is damaged, and/or injury is likely to occur as a result of use.

Closure of grounds

In periods of wet weather experienced council staff will assess and determine if the ground is to be closed for any training, competition or pre-season trial games. Ground signs (located on the park name sign) will indicate if the sports ground is closed for use.

Closure applies to adjacent areas also

If any sports ground is closed it is not to be used for any training or competition purposes. This includes the area surrounding each sports ground. Use of the sports ground when the surface is wet dramatically increases the damage the ground surface.

Use when closed jeopardises your future use

Use of the sports grounds when closed will jeopardise the future use of Council's venues by the sporting group. On weekends, it is the responsibility of the Association/Club to determine if sports grounds can be used without damaging the playing surface.

Damage may be charged to the user

Any excessive damage caused to sports grounds from inappropriate use is the responsibility of the user. The Council may invoice the Club or Association for damage caused to sports grounds. This will occur where the damage is considered to be excessive and greater than would be expected from normal wear and tear. The decision on whether excessive damage has been caused shall be made by experienced professional staff.

Back to top