Urbans undertook a remediation project by constructing a swale at an Adelaide Hills school to reduce water runoff to turfed areas and revive the oval.
We were employed by Ventia to provide a drainage solution at Birdwood High School oval, located 43 kilometres from Adelaide.
The school was experiencing significant oval unavailability for students and the community due to water runoff issues.
Among the community users of the school oval are the Torrens Valley Little Athletics Club and the Torrens Valley Archers, while the school hosts sports days and novelty events there.
The task
The swale featured rock head walls around the entirety of the oval and a stormwater system upgrade to keep water off the playing surface so students can now use it almost all-year round.
An additional aspect to the project enacted by our team weas the creation of a wetland planting area to soak up overflow. This wetland features gravel mulch and native plantings.
A bund was created as part of the swale, adding a raised aspect to the oval, which now has the added benefit of creating additional spectator comfort for those watching activities on the oval.
Our workers hydroseeded the swale and bund to further increase grass coverage across the site.
The open space area was previously considered an extension to the oval.
The site is relatively flat but on a slight decline, meaning water runoff from a nearby conservation area created a soggy disposition during wet seasons.
The oval was generally unusable for school and community stakeholders during much of winter and into the early spring.
The newly created swale now catches that water and runs it away from the recreation area into existing drainage systems.
The school hopes its usage of the oval will increase, with the drainage providing more opportunity for students and community to utilise its open space.
Challenges
A major challenge throughout the construction phase was the Adelaide Hills weather – the area is in a high-rainfall zone. The region experienced a wetter than normal winter (verify), particularly during the construction phase and that caused some delays.
Despite the weather issues, our workers ensured the project was
delivered on time and in budget.
Urbans’ Landscape Construction team undertakes works right across the state.
Visit some of our other projects:
- Angle Vale Playground Proiect
- Erosion Protection Wall for the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters
- Rains Driver Reserve Upgrade