Sandringham Athletics Track
Restoring Performance and Compliance for Bayside’s Athletes
Victoria

Our assessment identified several structural and compliance challenges that affected both the performance and safety of the facility.

Beneath the track, the pavement thickness varied from 70–260 mm and sat on a moderate to highly reactive clay subgrade. This caused pavement movement, heaving, and cracking, common symptoms of soil instability.

Inconsistencies in the track layout meant the 400-metre circuit measured just 399.56 metres, falling short of IAAF standards. Several field event areas, including the steeplechase pit, triple jump, pole vault, and shot-put facilities, were also non-compliant.

Surface wear was severe, with the inner lanes showing exposed base layers and algae build-up creating slip hazards. Cracked kerbs and uneven spoon drains added further safety risks. Surrounding vegetation and shaded zones kept the surface damp, accelerating wear.

The assessment also revealed an ageing retaining wall along parts of the perimeter that provided insufficient lateral support to the outer lanes. Movement behind the wall was transferring stress into the pavement, contributing to cracking and drainage issues.

The facility was no longer fit for competitive events and a full reconstruction, not a patch repair, was required to return it to modern standards.

To restore performance, compliance, and durability, SPORTENG designed a complete redevelopment underpinned by sound geotechnical engineering and sport-specific expertise.

The design called for full removal of the existing synthetic surface, asphalt, and variable crushed rock base. A stabilised capping layer was introduced to counteract the reactive clay subgrade, providing a consistent and durable foundation.

A new stormwater drainage network and regraded surface were designed to improve runoff and prevent water retention, a key factor in reducing moss, algae, and surface softening. To address perimeter level differences and structural instability, SPORTENG incorporated a new reinforced retaining wall system. This wall provided stronger lateral support to the outer track lanes and tied seamlessly into the upgraded drainage design, preventing future soil movement and ensuring the pavement remained stable. A two-layer asphalt base (2 × 25 mm dense-graded) was specified beneath a composite “sandwich” synthetic surface system, balancing elite-level performance with long-term maintainability.

Retaining wall under construction at the Sandringham Athletics Track

All field event facilities were redesigned to meet IAAF Class 2 requirements, including a new steeplechase pit, pole vault and high jump runways, discus/hammer throw cage, shot put circles, and long/triple jump runways.

Safety and usability were central to the design. We formalised compliant running rails, kerbing, and landing pit containment, ensuring the new facility met both competitive and community sport standards.

A proactive maintenance plan was built into the design, outlining inspection, resurfacing, and repair schedules to protect the investment across its 20-year life cycle.

The Sandringham Athletics Track redevelopment plan delivered a future-ready facility designed for both community and elite competition.

The proposed works ensured full compliance with IAAF standards and addressed long-standing structural issues through an engineered pavement system capable of resisting reactive soil movement. Drainage performance was vastly improved, reducing biological growth and maintenance requirements, while new kerbing and pit covers enhanced athlete safety across all disciplines.

This project stands as a strong example of how SPORTENG applies engineering precision and sport-specific knowledge to restore underperforming facilities to international standards, creating fields of play that are safe, durable, and built for the next generation of athletes.