Prince Edward Park
In early 2023, Auckland Council approached SSDM with a challenging proposition: transform the aging softball diamond at Prince Edward Park into a modern, high-performance sporting facility. The existing diamond had seen better days, with undersized ball stop netting, weathered dugouts, and an outfield plagued by drainage issues and uneven surfaces.
What made this project particularly intriguing was the complex site conditions that lay beneath the surface. A 450mm transmission wastewater line silently traversed the diamond underground, adding a layer of complexity to any structural work. The varying soil conditions across the site further complicated the picture, demanding careful consideration in the design phase.
SSDM embraced these challenges, assembling a specialised team to tackle the project. SSDM provided expert turf design services, crafting specifications for a state-of-the-art sand carpet outfield complete with modern irrigation and slit drainage systems. The team’s in-house capabilities shone through as they utilised AutoCAD Civil 3D to precisely model the cut and fill requirements, ensuring optimal playing surface conditions.
One of the most striking features of the upgrade was the installation of new 7-metre high ball stop nets. These weren’t just ordinary nets – they required specialised structural design to ensure they could stand tall, while carefully avoiding any impact on the critical wastewater infrastructure below. New dugouts and spectator fencing were also integrated into the design, creating a cohesive and professional sporting environment.
The project team demonstrated their environmental consciousness by incorporating a significant replanting program. While some unsafe trees needed removal, the team more than compensated by planting 18 native trees around the park, enhancing both the facility’s aesthetics and its ecological value.
Timing proved crucial to the project’s success. Construction kicked off in February 2024, a strategic decision that allowed softball users to maintain partial access during the season. This thoughtful scheduling meant the new turf could establish itself during the winter months, ready for full play by summer 2024.
The transformation didn’t just meet expectations – it exceeded them. The project was delivered on time and within budget, but perhaps more importantly, it garnered enthusiastic feedback from both stakeholders and users. The once-tired softball diamond had been reborn as a premier sporting facility, ready to serve Auckland’s sporting community for years to come.
This success story exemplifies how careful planning, technical expertise, and attention to environmental considerations can come together to create something truly special. The Prince Edward Park upgrade stands as a testament to what can be achieved when local government, design specialists, and contractors work in harmony toward a common goal.
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