Strengthening Community Infrastructure at Fernadell Park

Key elements of the development include:

• Amenities building
• Two full-sized natural soccer fields, including sports field lighting towers & high-end Sports field drainage allowing community usage all year round.
• One full size cricket oval including synthetic wicket and multiple practice cricket nets.
• One scaled down Mod Soccer field constructed for youth development.
• A multi-sports court surface designed for Basketball & Netball.
• Accessible playground and Youth Area, bespoke Playground shelters, supported by BBQ facilities.
• Off-street and on-site car parking, constructed with permeable pavement, WSUD raingardens offering a proactive approach to stormwater management & added urban sensitivity.
• Automatic Irrigation system including off site remote access to the controller, with high end sensors to aid sports field maintenance including a 65,000ltr in-ground concrete storage tank.
• Electrical upgrades including Sports field lighting for the Soccer fields, multi-purpose courts and solar lighting of the concrete footpath network providing the community safe nighttime passive exercise.
• Bespoke Dam viewing platforms with a connection to a large network of walking paths.
• Multi-use Fitness station & surrounded by ample amenity turf.
• Large fenced & gated Dog Park enclosure including amenity for the dogs and ample seating for the owner.

Managing Complex Utilities and Service Interfaces

The delivery of Fernadell Park required close coordination with multiple service authorities to confirm the location and condition of underground utilities prior to commencing works. Responses from several authorities showed that while some assets aligned with civil documentation, others including sewer mains, electrical services and Telstra infrastructure were inaccurately recorded or not shown on civil drawings.

To mitigate these risks, WEM undertook extensive service searches using non-destructive digging, potholing and survey validation to accurately confirm the location of all underground assets. Once this information was verified, it informed daily planning and enabled careful, consistent on-site management to reduce service-strike risk, safeguarding both work crews and surrounding residents.

Building the Foundations for a Premier Sporting Precinct

Delivering the Fernadell Park precinct began with major earthworks to establish drainage forms and to prepare the site for turf, landscaping, structures and pathways.

The existing soil had low permeability and was highly susceptible to compaction, creating a risk for drainage issues and hard playing surfaces if left untreated. The vegetation was first treated with herbicide and then gypsum was applied to help soften and break apart the upper layer of soil. Machinery then cultivated the topsoil, allowing it to be stripped and stockpiled for reuse.

Following this, the irrigation system was installed. The irrigation systems included an in-ground concrete tank, pump and control systems, mainlines, laterals and a network of sprinklers. Trenches were excavated after initial leveling to ensure uniform pipe coverage and to maintain appropriate separation from future drainage levels.

Drainage collectors and silt drains were installed using specialist low impact trenching equipment that minimises disturbance to the finished surfaces. Each trench was backfilled with gravel & highly permeable sand and shaped to support efficient stormwater movement. Once drainage and irrigation were complete, the improved topsoil was reinstated and laser levelled to create a consistent and durable base for turf.

Enhancing the Landscape and Community Experience

The landscaping at Fernadell has been carefully sequenced so that all major civil works are completed before any planting begins. This ensures the new trees, gardens and turf are protected from damage, with only minor rectification works to occur at the same time as planting.

A structured 12-week turf establishment program follows, focused on deep watering, monitored growth and a tailored nutrition program that supports rooting and early resilience against pests, disease and local climate conditions.

Following, WEM will undertake a 52-week landscape maintenance period ensuring plants are watered as needed, monitored for health issues and replaced if required. This ensures that all landscaping develops the strength and stability needed to thrive before being handed over to the Council’s maintenance teams.

Delivering with Assurance

The Fernadell Park Sports Field project showcases WEM Scapes capability to deliver a technically complex, community-focused open-space development with precision and care. Through strong planning, technical expertise and specialist supervision, WEM is shaping a high-quality recreational precinct that will support Hawkesbury community for generations.