This project was endorsed within a Council meeting on 13 April 2022 whereby organised sport was to be moved to Richards reserve from Hosken East ground. As such a budget of 1.2 Million has been allocated to Richards Reserve to upgrade the natural turf playing field. It has been designed according to current best-practice turf management principles and peer-reviewed soil science knowledge, to support up to 16 training sessions per week and games involving approximately 320 junior players.

As we upgrade the ground, we are committed to embracing environmentally friendly practices, in alignment and consideration to the Merri-bek sportsfield policy framework.

The project Scope

  • Installation of Rootzone Sand Profile, depth of 250mm plus 100mm gravel base, shown in the illustration below.
An illustration of the layers in the Rootzone sand profile
  • Upgrade of Irrigation system to include pump and above ground tank that will deliver the required flow and water pressure to the irrigation system. The new system is expected to reduce our watering commitments to the ovals by 30%. More information below.
  • Installation of a new storm water drainage system to better improve grass growing condition and increase ground hour usage.
  • Installation of a new 1.05m high fence (including concrete edge strip under fence line) around soccer Pitch to meet NPL standards. A section of removal fencing will be implemented on the west side and south side of the ground to allow for approved event activities. The fence will also have access gates for vehicular and pedestrian access needs.
  • Installation of new 6.0m high behind goal netting
  • Installation of Santa Ana Turf to improve playing field condition.

We are upgrading the Irrigation System at richards Reserve. The new system will utilise the latest IQ4 cloud based technology to help us understand our flow capacities and react to any faults within the systems. If we were to have a mainline break the system will detect the issue and shut it down automatically alleviating excess water loss.

All the valves will be housed in a purpos- designed seating enclosure. This will reduce our scheduled maintenance as all serviceable valves will located in one place.

With this technology and a specifically designed system and turf surface we will reduce our watering commitments to the ovals by an expected 30%.

Our decision making framework

This diagram shows the process we follow when making decisions about our sportsground surfaces. Click on the spots to learn more about each step.

circular flowchart that shows the headings for each step of the decision making process