City of Kingston's Bowling Greens
Revitalising bowling greens through Condition Audit
Victoria

Kingston City Council (KCC) faced the challenge of managing its aging bowling greens, some of which no longer met the standards set by World Bowls. Without an up-to-date assessment of the greens, the council struggled to prioritise which clubs required immediate resurfacing or conversion from natural to synthetic turf. The task was further complicated by the need to align project delivery plans with budget constraints and future requirements.

The council sought a detailed, impartial evaluation of the condition of both synthetic and natural bowling greens, as well as comprehensive tender templates and bills of quantities (BOQ) to facilitate future resurfacing and conversion projects. Ensuring compliance with relevant standards and delivering cost-effective solutions were critical objectives for the council.

SPORTENG provided a two-part solution to address KCC's needs.

Part A: Site Inspections and Condition Assessment

• Conducted thorough inspections of four bowling green sites.
• Measured the greens and collected relevant data, including photographs and information on the last resurfacing of each green.
• Inspected all sports equipment, such as scoreboards and markers, to ensure they were safe and up to standard.
• Delivered a detailed condition report, including any Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) concerns.
• Compiled a prioritised list of resurfacing requirements.
• Provided cost estimates for each site to assist in budget planning.

Part B: Tender Specifications

• Prepared tender specifications for both the resurfacing of existing synthetic greens and the conversion of natural turf greens to synthetic surfaces.
• Detailed all requirements, including base repairs, soil assessments, laser surveys, and provisional items for equipment replacement.
• Submitted bills of quantities (BOQ) for each tender specification, allowing the council to understand the costs associated with each proposed project.

By partnering with SPORTENG, the City of Kingston gained a comprehensive understanding of the condition of its bowling greens, empowering them to make informed, strategic decisions.

Key outcomes included:

Prioritised Resurfacing Plan: The detailed condition report and priority list provided KCC with a clear roadmap for future resurfacing projects, ensuring that resources could be allocated effectively.

Budget Clarity: The cost estimates and BOQs allowed the council to better plan for the financial demands of maintaining and upgrading their bowling facilities.

Compliance and Safety: SPORTENG identified non-compliant areas and provided recommendations that align with World Bowls standards, enhancing the safety and quality of the greens.

Streamlined Tender Process: With the creation of two tender templates, KCC now has standardised documents that will expedite the resurfacing and conversion process, ensuring future projects are executed efficiently.

In conclusion, SPORTENG’s expert condition audit has positioned the City of Kingston to proactively address the needs of its bowling greens, delivering long-term value and improving the overall quality of the facilities for its community.