LH Waud Field, Meadowbank Park - Synthetic Turf and Sports Lighting

Council is currently working through a range of projects to better accommodate more residents playing sport. The recently adopted Open Space Future Provision Strategy outlines how Council will meet the future demand for sport and recreation in the City. This Strategy includes various projects such as optimising existing park layouts to create new fields such as at Gannan Park, additional sports field lighting at all sports fields, synthetic fields and gaining access to school fields. 

Synthetic sports fields have a range of benefits including greater carrying capacity (i.e. synthetic fields can be used for over 50 hours per week compared to grass which can only be used for a maximum of 30 hours before the surface deteriorates), higher quality and more consistent playing surface (i.e. synthetic pitches are not affected by drought and are useable during and immediately after rain).

Council works closely with all sporting user groups to address their needs. If a sport is unable to use a synthetic sports field, we work with that sport to accommodate their sport.

Yes. The City of Ryde has three existing synthetic sports fields in operation including one field at ELS Hall Park and two fields at Christie Park. LH Waud Field would be the fourth synthetic sports field in the local government area.

Council’s synthetic sports fields are managed in such a way that they are financially cost neutral following construction. Any additional maintenance costs incurred through synthetic sports fields are offset by a higher ground hire fee.

Yes. The synthetic surface would be required to comply with the appropriate sports standards such as FIFA QUALITY. This standard combines durability, resistance, safety and performance tests.  Further information regarding player safety and environmental impacts can be found at: https://footballfacilities.com.au/wp-content/uploads/sites/11/2018/10/SyntheticFields-v2-2017.pdf

A Development Application will be submitted for the sports field lighting component of the project. Surrounding residents will be notified when the development application is on public exhibition and will have an opportunity to make a submission. Council will engage independent consultants to undertake the following studies to support the development application;

• Noise Level Studies: An Acoustic Report which will identify the expected noise levels and the impact on surrounding residents. However it is anticipated that as the usage for the lights will be for training purposes only during the week  (as opposed to competition games) the usage and noise levels will be similar to that of current summer soccer activities.

• Lighting Design:  The design must comply with Australian Standards (AS2560 & AS4282) lux and spill levels. This design will identify the location of the poles and any light spill on neighbouring properties. A concept lighting design has already been completed which shows that the project can achieve compliance with the relevant Australian Standards.

• Traffic Report: A Traffic report will consider the availability of car spaces to accommodate the additional use. The report will also consider impacts to the surrounding road network.

All these reports will be available during the public exhibition of the Development Application. 

A Review of Environmental Factors will be prepared to consider the environmental impacts of the proposed synthetic surface.

The design of the synthetic field will include a sub-surface drainage system to convey stormwater away from the field.

The local sporting clubs, schools and the community will be available to use the sports field for their training sessions, sports competitions and school sport. When the field is not booked, all members of the community will be able to use the field.

• Proposed until 10.00pm Monday to Saturday and 7.30pm on Sunday all year (subject to Development Application).
• Lighting operations will be controlled by Council using electronic system which restricts lighting operations to the approved days/time, controls users and sets cut off times.
• Authorised club contacts will turn lights on/off using mobile phone text message.

After the conclusion of this community consultation, Council will complete a number of steps and processes prior to the implementation of the synthetic turf and sports lighting.