Installation of synthetic lawns
January/February 2019
In 2018 we had to vacate our previous lawns after 98 years at the same place. A local Tennis Club was in imminent danger of closing due to falling membership, and the short version of the story is, that we found each other at a time of need.
We amalgamated the two clubs, forming the Muller Park Tennis and Croquet Club Inc and set about planning our future. The tennis club had 3 synthetic courts and lights installed only 8 years previously. The synthetic surface made it possible for us to immediately start playing croquet, once our very competent member, Tom Barclay, manufactured special hoops that wouldn't damage the tennis court surface. Of course, we then had to learn how to play on a fast synthetic surface.
In addition to the 3 synthetic tennis courts there are also 3 clay tennis courts, which have been unused for several years.Only 2 courts are needed for tennis, which means that we have four courts available to convert to croquet lawns. This gives us enough space to install two full size croquet lawns, while the remaining 2 tennis courts will provide a third full size or two smaller lawns.
This is, of course, not straight forward there being no previous synthetic court experience to draw upon in Australia.
Our first step was to check out as many synthetic surfaces as we could locate, and also to find contractors with experience in installing synthetic turf for sports purpose.
We believe we have located people with the necessary experience, and we have also made contact with synthetic turf manufacturers, one of whom is interested in producing samples for us to test.
How do you choose a synthetic surface with no previous experience to draw upon?
Our approach has been to gather as much data as possible, especially with regard to 'lawn speed'. To this end we are using the 'NEL' method of measuring speed.
The NEL is a straight plank which is rested on a hoop and a ball allowed to run down off it and along the lawn. Not very scientific, but effective and with the advantage of many other clubs having used the same method. The data gathered allows up to test and compare synthetic samples.
This brings us to the second criteria, the effect of the turf surface texture on the speed of the ball. The speed needs to be constant in ALL directions, so we are therefore looking at turf with omni-directional qualities ... and we believe we may have arrived at a suitable weave or pile that will fulfil all requirements.
We realise that the project is going to be costly, and while we do not have the necessary funds, we are confident we are on the right path, confident enough to commence stage 1 of the court preparation.
 |
| Bede Sheridan ripping up old lines. |
 |
| Cleared and levelled |
When we arrived to play one morning, we found that the trees and vegetation growth at the far end had been removed.
Now demolish the old shed in the far corner and removal of the tennis net posts, concreted into the old clay courts.
June 2019
Well, here we are. The space for our two new croquet lawns is cleared and levelled.
It is now time to get serious, prepare detailed plans and work of how to raise the necessary capital.
The "New Courts Committee" will, over the next months, try to bring the plans to fruition.
APRIL 2020
Hurray, all the hard work and many long hours planning and applying for grants finally paid off.
We successfully obtained a grant through the NSW Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund and are receiving $194,000 to fund our project. It is now full steam ahead with all parties ready to install the new courts.
In the next weeks we will keep you posted with progress and other details on how we solved the many little problems.
JUNE 2020
With final grooming of the ground performed, cabling and footings installed for the new lighting, turf on the way from the factory and contractors ready, it was time to move fast.
Peter Heywood and Ian Burns spend the entire day of 17th June measuring and marking out exact positions for the new hoop bases, which are to be set into the ground.
Tom Barclay arrived with a very heavy load of steel tubes, plates, jigs and tools required for the hoops.
A total of 26 heavy steel tubes, 73mm x 600mm, are needed, with each one having a synthetic insert with a centre hole for the new hoops.
The rectangular plates with two holes, at the front of the tube pile, will form part of the hoop base once mounted into the ground.
The device seen on the left is the jig that will be used to align and drill holes for the tubes.
A total of 24 hoop tubes and 2 centre peg tubes have to be accurately sunk into the hard ground.
Tom accurately aligns and secures the special jig, manufactured for the purpose, before drilling two 600mm deep holes.
This is tough, the ground is very compacted and hard, as of course it should be.
This is tough, the ground is very compacted and hard, as of course it should be.
However, with 26 holes to be drilled, this is turning into a long day, and by late afternoon with 18 completed, the rest will be done next morning.
After drilling each hole the hoop base tubes are inserted into the holes and hammered in place.
Nothing is left to chance and each tube position is carefully checked for alignment.
Nothing is left to chance and each tube position is carefully checked for alignment.
As the tubes were hammered down, each tube top was checked with a Dumpy Level, to ensure they were level with the ground.
Another purpose made jig was used, together with a hoop, to make final adjustments before a steel plate is put in place to lock the hoop base in position.
The hoop base is now ready and will now be covered with the synthetic turf.
The steel plate around the base will ensure base position, but is also our design measure to prevent, or at least greatly minimise any 'rabbit runs'.
The new hoops, also purpose made, will sit firmly in the bases to a depth of 200mm.
They are set at a fixed width of 95mm, a little less than 'normal'.
They are set at a fixed width of 95mm, a little less than 'normal'.
They are NOT adjustable, at least for now.
We decided not to over complicate matters as we are, after all catering for our own members at this point in time.
Other widths and future tournaments are ... well, for the future. Once we have settled in and learned from this new experience, no doubt we will make changes and provision for future events will be made.
A special mention must be made of our very capable member, Tom Barclay, who has manufactured all the bases, inserts and the new steel hoops. It has been a mammoth undertaking. The final design was the culmination of hours of discussion and planning.
30th June 2020 - finished
The new surface is ready for use and at 9am the first balls will be hit onto the lawn.
Only the outside border area needs final sand compacting, but the lawns are ready and the hoops installed.
The group of members who have seen this project through to the finish can be rightfully proud of the achievements.
Thank you to everybody. Now on with the games!
A special 24 page booklet covering the entire process, including technical details, has been produced. A copy in PDF format can be downloaded by clicking here.
