In sports field design, there’s a saying: "The best time to solve a problem is before it becomes one." This is especially true when it comes to identifying potential constraints early in the design process. Issues like sewer manholes, utility lines, contamination, and other hidden obstacles can cause costly delays and setbacks if not addressed upfront. By proactively identifying and solving these constraints, teams can save time, avoid extra costs, and ensure smoother project execution from start to finish.

A Real-World Example: Sewer Manholes and the Cook Park Synthetic Field Project

One of the most valuable lessons comes from our Sydney Team's experience at Cook Park, where they were designing a synthetic field. During the planning stages, they encountered an unexpected issue: a sewer manhole was located within the playing area. This posed a challenge because synthetic fields cannot have exposed manholes. However, Sydney Water required access to the manhole, creating a conflict between the utility's needs and the regulations for synthetic turf.

The solution involved redesigning the field layout so that the manhole was relocated outside the fenced playing area. But the sewer pipe still ran beneath the field, which required additional coordination. "One of the biggest challenges we’ve encountered recently is sewer applications," says the team. "These applications can take up to 200 days, which is a significant delay if not identified early."

In this case, the issue was flagged early enough to avoid a major disruption. By identifying this constraint during the design phase, the team was able to plan around it and avoid unexpected delays during construction. However, had this issue been discovered later in the process, it could have caused significant disruptions to the timeline and budget.

The Lengthy Approval Process for Build Over Sewer (BOS) Permits

A key part of handling issues like this is navigating the approval process. For example, the Cook Park project required a Build Over Sewer (BOS) permit to allow construction over the sewer pipe that ran beneath the field. These permits can take a long time to process, as they often involve multiple layers of paperwork and approval from Sydney Water. It is critical to plan ahead and identify the need for a BOS permit early in the design process.

To manage this, a Water Service Coordinator was brought in to handle the application and liaise directly with Sydney Water. This professional ensured that the correct processes were followed and helped expedite the approval process. This collaboration played a crucial role in ensuring the project stayed on track and avoided unnecessary delays.

In projects like these, early identification of the need for a BOS permit—or other regulatory approvals—can mean the difference between a project that stays on schedule and one that faces unexpected hold-ups. The earlier these requirements are recognised, the better equipped the team will be to manage the approval timeline effectively.

Case Studies: The Power of Early Issue Identification

While Cook Park is a prominent example, it’s far from the only project where early identification of constraints has led to smoother execution. In fact, many projects across the industry have benefited from proactively addressing potential issues early on.

Similarly, contamination on a site can be another major constraint. When contamination is found during construction, the process of handling and remediating the site can delay the project and increase costs. However, in projects where contamination was detected during the design phase, the team had the opportunity to evaluate the most cost-effective ways to address the issue. Whether it involved burying contaminants or placing a membrane over the area, early identification made the remediation process far more manageable and ensured that the project stayed on schedule.

Key Takeaways: Why Early Identification of Constraints Matters

Identifying constraints like sewer lines, utilities, and contamination early in the design process is crucial for the success of any sports field project. Proactive planning not only helps avoid unexpected delays and additional costs but also gives the design team the flexibility to make adjustments that keep the project on track.

By taking the time to conduct thorough site investigations and working closely with utilities and regulatory authorities from the outset, teams can ensure that potential issues are addressed before they become costly setbacks. Whether it's applying for permits, redesigning layouts, or finding creative solutions to site challenges, early identification of constraints is the key to smoother, more successful sports field projects.