John Davies Oval Upgrade

Project: John Davies Oval Upgrade (Queenstown)

Client: Queenstown Lakes District Council

Timeframe: 2015-2017

SSDM were engaged by Queenstown Lakes District Council (QLDC) in early 2015 to carry out a feasibility study on upgrading the picturesque John Davies oval in Queenstown in order to ensure the ground remains playable after rainfall events so that more international cricket could be scheduled at the venue and also allow better conditions for staging community events.

SSDM used their proprietary sports field assessment systems along with an irrigation system audit and topographical survey to measure and report upon the condition of the existing field surface and infrastructure. Measures were proposed that involved;  improving the existing drainage system quality of the existing surface. The coinclusion of SSDMs findings were that the old drainage and irrigation system (originally installed in the 1990’s) be abandoned and a new sand carpet drainage system and boosted irrigation system be installed. SSDM provided QLDC cost estimates to carry out the proposed upgrade works to allow them time for discussions with the various stakeholders and source funding.

In 2016, once funding had been secured, SSDM provided QLDC with detailed design documentation for tender for the proposed sand carpet upgrade works. Included in the design was an extension of the existing four strip cricket block to allow for an additional strip on each side of the block. 'TIC  golf ' together with 'TIC contracting' were awarded the contract, with physical works commencing immediately after Waitangi Day, 2017.  Construction proceeded quickly without major issues with seeding of the oval taking place on 21st March and the first mow on the Oval  on 18th April, with a view to hosting ICC under 19 Cricket World Cup matches in January 2018.