Tempe Reserve
Raising the Game for Community Sports in Inner West
New South Wales

Proximity to the Cooks River meant the quality of storm water runoff had to be carefully considered in our drainage design. Furthermore, council wanted to maintain a seamless interface with the river environs, which meant there were limited ways to prevent run-off from the fields of play, with no facility for a hob or off stand around the area, which could also have become a trip hazard for users.

With all this in mind, SPROTENG designed a large multi-use synthetic grass rugby/soccer pitch with cork rather than rubber infill. Cork was chosen as an organic infill that will breakdown should it enter the surrounding Cooks River.

The synthetic field of play was deemed most appropriate to help to aid carrying capacity during winter, and to take the load off the additional 3 natural turf fields. The natural turf fields were designed with a free drainage base, and additional improvement works on the northern field improved drainage during winter, increasing its carrying capacity.

The use of free drainage bases across the natural turf fields allowed for an open interface between the river and the sports fields.

Not only does Tempe Reserve now provide the community with exceptional sporting facilities, but they can also use the facilities knowing that the health of the river and its environs are well protected from unnecessary pollutants and contaminants.

 
By working alongside Turf One during construction and staying actively involved in site inspections, SPORTENG helped deliver a long-lasting, sustainable Field of Play solution. Our work ensured the synthetic pitch met international standards while protecting the local environment.

As Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne said:
 “This upgrade will be of massive benefit to local sports clubs as it will result in the increased use of Tempe Reserve by multiple sports including football, cricket, rugby league and ultimate frisbee. Local clubs Marrickville Red Devils and Marrickville Cricket have new home grounds for their girls and women’s teams.”
Source: Fieldturf at Tempe Reserve: a win for the community

Tempe now stands as a benchmark for delivering high-performance, environmentally sensitive community sports infrastructure that supports play, participation, and the planet.