New all-weather synthetic turf installed at South Coogee’s Latham Park Sportsfield will level the playing field for sports and community groups, says Randwick City Mayor, Cr Noel D’Souza.

“The durability of synthetic turf allows us to decrease the amount of maintenance required to keep it in top condition all year ‘round and increase the number of hours that the sportsfield can be used.

“This opens up the field to be used by local groups as well as Randwick rugby teams.”

 Latham Park is the second synthetic pitch installed by Randwick City Council, after the synthetic soccer field at Heffron Park.

The synthetic playing surface is in accordance with World Rugby’s Regulation 22 performance standards, and is suitable as a sportsfield for rugby union.

Latham Park is currently used for training and matches by Randwick District Rugby Union, Randwick Juniors Rugby Club and, soon, the South Eastern Magic Rugby 7s Girls Club.

In addition to reduced maintenance costs, the synthetic field is safer for players. The material is more skin-friendly than grass and the shock absorbent layer beneath the turf protects players when they fall or land from a height.

“We had an unseasonable amount of rain earlier this year, which would have closed down a grass field, but the synthetic turf is an all-weather surface, so there will be more opportunities for community groups to take full advantage of this superb facility.”