Works to improve the quality of the outfield at Hesketh Park are underway. This work has been planned for some time and is much needed as the square has had all the attention in recent years. The outfield, meanwhile, has got steadily worse with patchy grass coverage and a very uneven surface in general, due to constant wear and tear from park users.
The remedial work involves fertilising and re-seeding the whole outfield and top dressing with 60 tons of quality topsoil, followed by harrowing and grading of the top surface. The aim is to smooth out some of the worst undulations and get a better and more even coverage of grass over the whole outfield.
The club has been well supported by Dartford Borough Council, which has come up with a grant to cover 90% of the cost. The work has been carried out by Phil Clarke Sports Ground Maintenance, a contractor that does similar work for other Kent League clubs.
The bulk of the work was actually completed earlier this month, but the club is also committed to a more enhanced ground maintenance regime over the next couple of years to try to keep the surface in a more healthy state, including more regular fertilising.
Neil Wilson
Vice Chairman, Dartford Cricket Club
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