Lakelands School, Sports & Language College

The challenges

The larger natural playing field was suffering from drainage problems and evidence of waterlogging was apparent, which meant it was unsuitable for playing most sports, especially during the winter months. As such the school relied heavily on the use of the smaller natural playing field which meant extra strain was placed on this pitch to support sports activities taking place. In addition the artificial pitch also suffered from overuse and had become worn and difficult to play on.

As a specialist sports college they wanted to provide the very best facilities for their students and with this in mind, Lakelands School approached STRI to assist them with the rejuvenation of the largest playing field along with the replacement of the artificial pitch.

The objectives

• Understanding the existing pitch conditions and identifying why the natural pitch was suffering from poor drainage.
• Recommending a solution which would allow the school and the local community to use the ground all year round.
• Project managing the replacement carpet on the artificial turf pitch.
• Completing work without disrupting students as they continued with their studies during the school year.

The solutions

STRI began by visiting the site and conducting a detailed feasibility study in order to analyse the grounds, and gain a detailed understanding of the existing site conditions. This included taking soil samples for laboratory analysis and the examination of drainage outlets. Understanding soil composition is vital in assessing any grounds. Testing the soil at specialist laboratories ensures any deeper problems can be identified and subsequently addressed. Here STRI identified the pore space in the soil was very compact, which tends to hold water more easily and as such led to the poor drainage issues on the pitch. From this analysis STRI was able to find a suitable solution for Lakelands School.

As water logging was a long term issue affecting the grounds for many years, STRI recommended the design and installation of a two-stage drainage system, containing lateral pipes backfilled with gravel and the installation of sand bands. This has significantly improved the winter playability on the site and this new drainage system will last for at least 25 years with a good maintenance regime, which makes it a most cost-effective solution.

The artificial pitch was 11 years old and due to its age and extensive use, the turf joints had been damaged and repaired on numerous occasions, and were now beyond repair. It was clear to STRI that the carpet on the artificial pitch would need to be replaced. As another contractor was used for this element of the work, STRI developed the specification by preparing a requirements document and subsequently project managed the work, in order to ensure the very best results for the school. A weekly meeting with the contractor ensured things remained accurate and on course for completion. By working closely with a third party contractor, STRI was able to ensure the site specification was followed accurately and that Lakelands School got excellent quality and value for money.

As the health and safety of students is always paramount, and with the knowledge that there would be heavy goods vehicles coming and going to the site, it was vital to ensure minimal disruption to students as they continued with their studies. In order to minimise the disruption, STRI recommended a phased approach for the work to be completed. The installation of the drainage system on the natural pitch was completed in the lead up to the summer holidays and the replacement of the artificial pitch took place during the holidays, ensuring that students and staff were not affected by the work being completed.

The results

• An excellent quality natural playing field accompanied by comprehensive maintenance advice ensures the pitch will last the school for at least 25 years, making this a cost-effective, long term investment.
• Improvement works have ensured the pitch areas can be used all year round for numerous activities, from sports such as football, cricket and rugby to local community initiatives.
• By working closely with a third party contractor the implementation of the artificial pitch was completed smoothly and accurately, and to a high standard of quality and safety.
• Both pitches were completed on time and within budget, with minimal disruption to students and staff.