R.G CHISHOLM RESERVE OVAL 
Bayside City Council
September 2016 - April 2017

The bustling suburban sports field at R.G Chisholm Reserve within the Bayside municipality was selected to be upgraded with brand new infrastructure and a natural turf playing surface that would accommodate increased levels of activity by local sporting community groups and neighbouring residents.

As part of this process, Bayside City Council engaged ETP Turf to assist throughout the entire redevelopment to ensure a successful project outcome was achieved. ETP Turf began with the initial site investigations and formulated the design and specification documentation to support Councils tender procurement process.
Following the investigative and redesigning stage, it was clear R.G Chisholm Reserve required a full reconstruction. The scope of works included stripping the top 30mm from the surface profile using the existing topsoil as subgrade to create a ridge shape with 1% fall on each slope. Installation of new subsurface drainage and an automatic irrigation system was included to promote effective water management and reduce the frequency of waterlogged areas during the wet season.

A sand based rootzone layer and warm season Santa ana couch turf were then chosen as the new playing surface which would also increase the durability and sustainability of the specified sports fields maintenance programs to optimize both AFL and cricket seasons usage. The cricket pitch and its synthetic cover were replaced, whilst the perimeter of the oval received new inverted channels, fences, and coaches’ boxes.
Council have continued to engage ETP Turf for ongoing agronomic consultancy following the ovals successful reconstruction and are delighted to see the optimized oval now hosting larger and more frequent sporting competitions and community events, along with improved facilities for families and their pets to enjoy passive outdoor recreation. Comprehensive and pragmatic expertise has led to an exceptional end result for Council and the surrounding community who will no doubt benefit from the improved sports surface for many years to come.