With the removal of the access path that cut through the original site, the SPORTENG design produced a large natural turf Field of Play surface that could accommodate several sports including cricket with natural turf cricket wickets, AFL, athletics, and space for two soccer fields.
To aid with reducing water usage, SPORTENG designed a perched water table profile. Not only does the perched water table helps to readily store water within the profile which reduces water use through the irrigation network, but it also supports deep root growth.
Additionally, the profile was supported with a fully automated irrigation system, and a network of Megaflo subsurface drainage within the drainage gravel layer to help water move efficiently through the profile and into the perimeter collector drains. This comprehensive approach supported healthy turf growth will enabling an all-weather use of the Field of Play, addressing previous challenges.
As the temperatures in Ballarat during the winter months can become quite low, SPORTENG recommended the establishment the playing surface with a warm season grass which was then overseeded with ryegrass.
Unfortunately, the turf was laid later than expected due to wet weather during construction, which delayed first use of the grounds. However, all parties agreed on the importance of establishing resilient turf to ensure the longevity so the usability of the ground was delayed to ensure the turf was fully established.
