Seven months on from the April super storm the Maitland hockey community have finally got their field back.
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Extensive damage to the Maitland Park surface saw it out of action for most of 2015, costing the club up to $40,000 in lost revenue.
The new synthetic turf, valued at an estimated $365,000, was unveiled and officially handed over on Wednesday morning and will be ready to use next season.
Maitland Hockey Turf Association chairman Kevin Short, a veteran of 57 seasons in the sport, said it was a welcome relief to have the facility available again.
“It was an inconvenience at the time because it came at the peak of our season,” he said.
“The men had to play in Newcastle and didn’t have any home games, the women had to play out on the grass, and that cost us about $40,000 in revenue.
“The positive is that we now have a brand new surface to play on, which is great for all the hockey players in town.”
Maitland Hockey Complex opened in 2008 and the original surface was approaching the decade guarantee mark.
Funds had been set aside annually for replacement turf and Short said that kitty will now be used to help build a new amenities block.
Social summer competitions are expected to start in the new year.
The Maitland Rams will resume training in February for the 2016 Hunter Coast Premier Hockey League season.
“It’s good to know it’s there and ready to go,” Rams striker Nathan Baker said.
“The boys will be keen to play at home again and hopefully it helps build up the junior numbers.”