Pettys Reserve
Transforming Pettys Reserve into a State-of-the-Art Sports Facility
Victoria

The existing pitches at Pettys Reserve faced several significant challenges.

Firstly, the topography presented a major hurdle, as the slopes were not compliant with FIFA and FV requirements. Additionally, the dimensions of the western pitch were insufficient and needed to be increased to 105m long x 65m wide. This required extensive earthworks, including the cutting and disposal of over 6,000m3 of material off-site, to create suitable platforms for the new pitches.

Furthermore, the subgrade material was poorly compacted, necessitating remediation to ensure a stable base for the new pitches. To address this, a clay capping layer and geocomposite membrane were employed to enhance the subgrade's stability and performance.

Moreover, the project had to tackle the significant level of change between the two pitches. With a 3m difference in elevation, the design of the facility needed to accommodate this challenge seamlessly. A pavilion was planned between the two pitches, and the design incorporated concrete terrace seats and retaining walls to facilitate a smooth interface.

SPORTENG implemented a comprehensive set of solutions to overcome the challenges faced at Pettys Reserve. To address the non-compliant topography, we conducted extensive earthworks, cutting and disposing of large amounts of material to create suitable platforms for the construction of the new pitches. The result was two pitches that met the FIFA and FV requirements, ensuring optimal playing conditions throughout the year.

In terms of subgrade remediation, SPORTENG employed a clay capping layer and geocomposite membrane. This approach improved the stability and quality of the subgrade, providing a solid foundation for the new pitches. The remediation work ensured that the surface would perform consistently, even during wet periods.

Finally, to address the level difference between the pitches and accommodate the pavilion, we designed concrete terrace seats and retaining walls. These structural elements seamlessly integrated the two pitches, creating a visually appealing and functional interface.

The completion of the Pettys Reserve redevelopment project has yielded outstanding results for both the community and the Manningham City Council. The newly transformed facility now offers all-weather pitches that meet the needs of local soccer teams. The community can utilise the pitches throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions, enabling increased sports participation and enhancing the overall sports experience.

Moreover, the Manningham City Council has leveraged the facility to alleviate the burden on natural turf pitches in the area. By rotating existing clubs to train mid-week at Pettys Reserve, the Council has reduced the load on their home pitches, particularly during the challenging winter and wet periods. This strategic approach has not only enhanced the quality of play but also extended the lifespan of the natural turf pitches.

Overall, SPORTENG's expertise in sports facility design, combined with our innovative solutions, has successfully transformed Pettys Reserve into a state-of-the-art sports facility. The project's completion has met the community's needs, complied with FIFA and FV standards, and provided a valuable resource for the Manningham City Council, ultimately enhancing the sporting experience for all involved.