The conversion program began in December, 2008, and covers eight reserves, including Hotlyn Drive, Craigieburn, Roxburgh Park West and Tullamarine's Melrose Drive reserves.

It's a major part of the council's capital works program until 2013 and will make the grounds virtually drought-resistant.

Parks and open space manager Craig Medcalf said the warm-season grasses had deep roots, with lower rates of evaporation, preventing them from becoming uneven and providing a better playing field.

"We plan to convert four sports fields per annum."

Each field costs about $20,000 to convert.

Also planted with warm-season grass were Craigieburn's Highgate Reserve, and Goonawarra and Greenvale oval two reserves.