In 2019, Burraneer Bay Public School in Sydney’s Sutherland Shire was awarded a state government grant of over $200,000. Topping the vote in the ‘My Community Project’ program, the school was one of nearly 250 projects across NSW earmarked to receive government support after being voted in by members of the community.
After applying to have their muddy, sparsely grassed oval transformed into a more usable space, the school P&C was successful in obtaining funding for the installation of a synthetic playing surface.
The main issues the school wanted to rectify prior to installing a new synthetic turf surface were the serious drainage issues, and also replacing the ageing and ineffective pine log garden beds surrounding the oval.
In heavy rains, water pooled in the grassed area and could not drain away, eventually washing soil and mulch into the adjacent public path. This frequent surface erosion hampered the growth of natural grass, creating a messy mud slick.
Additionally, tree roots had encroached into the existing garden beds, severely affecting their structural integrity.
After securing grant funding to repair the playground, the team at Burraneer Bay Public School put the contract out to tender, and after an extensive selection process, chose Preferred Turf to complete the project.
Although this project was within the school grounds, the final design ensured that it would have wide-ranging benefits to before & after school care programs, local sporting groups and members of the wider community.
Repairing the drainage issues was a vital first step in this project, ensuring that public pathways were not impacted by soil and mulch runoff and that the subsequent synthetic turf installation would drain adequately.
A major upgrade to the drainage for both the retaining walls and oval itself was undertaken, along with the installation of new sandstone retaining walls to virtually the entire perimeter of the field.
With efficient drainage in place, the Preferred Turf team installed 2400m2 of 40mm All Sports synthetic turf – a hard-wearing, FIFA-compliant synthetic sports turf designed for rigorous sport and playground applications. Made with eco-friendly materials, this synthetic grass is UV resistant and combines 3 shades of green for aesthetic appeal.
To complement the main playing field surface and extend the usability of the area, a green 18mm multisport synthetic turf was embedded into the perimeter with white lane markings, creating a permanent running track.
Despite having to complete the project during the school term, Preferred Turf was able to finish two weeks ahead of schedule, delivering a high-quality oval just ahead of the end of the 2020 school year. This meant that the outgoing year 6 students could use the area for some of their end of year activities and celebrations.
Our professional installation team also ensured the utmost safety for staff and students during the construction period, working around busy morning and afternoon peak hours and implementing safety measures and traffic management.
The school now has an attractive, functional and low-maintenance outdoor play area that is destined to provide years of enjoyment for the students.
In a statement to the local newspaper, Cronulla MP and Attorney-General Mark Speakman officially opened the field in March 2021.
“It was terrific to see the students enjoying their revamped oval,” Mr Speakman said.
“This project will benefit Burraneer Bay Public School students for many years to come.”
Preferred Turf is an experienced supplier and installer of commercial synthetic turf surfaces in Sydney and beyond.
We specialise in education projects and have extensive experience instaling synthetic turf and soft fall playgrounds in preschools, primary and secondary schools. Get in touch with our team for advice on the best synthetic turf for your project.
