KPS Options for Oval
FAQs prepared by Building and Grounds Committee
Why do we need to have a running track?
The suggestion to have a running track came from the grade 6 students in 2013.
The 2011 KPS Master plan for the Sports oval recommended exploring the installation of a
synthetic surfaced sports oval...in addition to this, consideration may be given to a perimeter
running / athletics track and renovation of the existing long-jump pit ….a running track could
allow athletics carnivals, time trials and other activities to be held at school.
What colours will be used on the running track and on the synthetic infield?
The running track will be a brick colour and the inside field will be dark green.
What line marking will be used and for which sports on the synthetic infield?
The final scope including line markings will be decided upon in conjunction with teaching
staff. The initial scope / quote includes soccer, hockey, rounders, four lanes of running tracks
and associated markings.
Can we have line marking on a grass oval?
Line markings can be applied to a grass oval but will need to be maintained and updated
regularly.
What will the eventual cost be for each option? How long will it take the
school community to raise those amounts?
The costs for each option are outlined in the Discussion Paper. The time to take to raise the
funds will depend on the fundraising plan which will be determined after the surface decision
is made. Fortunately the school has already raised $36,000 towards the redevelopment.
Who will maintain the oval if it is grass? Who will maintain it if it is
synthetic?
If grass is the agreed option, then the school could choose to commit to a maintenance
program. If it is synthetic, there could also be an annual maintenance program. Both can be
provided by external contractors (for cost details, please see the Discussion Paper).
Can the running track go somewhere else in the school, such as around the
basketball courts or the asphalt?
In 2011 KPS had a master plan developed. A copy of this is on the KPS website. The
recommendation from this master plan was to redevelop the oval and it was suggested to
include a running track. The asphalt area was earmarked for more passive and colourful
playground options. Covering the asphalt in synthetic turf or installing a running track could
be an option; however this does not address the poor state of the oval.
Can we put in water tanks that are big enough to keep the grass alive on the
oval?
The size of the tanks required to to water the oval would need to be around 180-200,000
litres. Given the size of the oval, tanks this size would have to be installed under the oval
(very expensive) or other space might be lost to the tanks..
How will the school community raise the money?
An initial $36,000 was raised during 2013. However once the decision on which option we go
with, then the fundraising committee will work with the school community to develop plans to
raise the necessary funds.
What sports can be played on the synthetic?
All sports can be played on the synthetic – it provides a stable, sure-footed surface for many
sports throughout the year.
What will the synthetic turf look like?
There are information boards with proposed layouts and samples of the turf. One of the best
examples of a recent synthetic installation is Doncaster Gardens Primary School.
If my children fall over on the synthetic surface, will they get burns?
There is a chance that if children engage in rough play they may suffer minor burns. This is
mitigated by a rubber compound covering the top surface which can contribute to absorbing
falls. The infield will also have a longer pile grass which will help. The school could also have
an education campaign on safe use
Will our levies increase?
The funding of any option will depend on the fundraising campaigns. The school will not
borrow any money to fund any of the options.
Will outside sports clubs be able to use the turf?
If a full synthetic oval is a supported option, it could be a community asset and therefore
outside groups may be able to hire it for use, similar to the gym’s use by various sporting
groups outside school hours. This could be a potential revenue stream.
Will it be open to the school community after hours and weekends
Subject to ensuring that safety and security of the school are not at risk, the school might
consider making the synthetic turf oval available to the school community and outside
sporting clubs outside of school hours.
How big will the synthetic turf be?
The final scope and design of the field will be determined once a decision is made about
which surface option the community supports. There are a number of size options that have
been considered in the research ranging from 50m to 70m long and 40m wide. Fundraising
will also influence the final size.
Does the turf wear out and need replacing
The turf has a lifespan of 8-15 years depending on use.
How can we donate to the fundraising appeal
Fundraising contributions are always welcome, particularly towards large capital projects.
Please contact James Penson directly.
Will there be space for natural grass around the synthetic turf?
Yes. Members of the Building and Grounds subcommittee have visited a number of schools
that have installed synthetic turf and the most recent installations have incorporated both an
overall landscape plan as well as keeping natural grass play spaces. This is considered best
practice.