GREAT PLAYABILITY AND SURFACE SAFETY WITH BENEDICT SMARTMIX® 2
22 Jun 2023
The recent unveiling of Samantha Riley Drive Reserve marks an exciting milestone for the sport-hungry community of Kellyville in north-western Sydney, offering a high-quality sports complex that goes a considerable way to meeting the area’s chronic need for more open space.
One crucial aspect that contributes to the success of the new facility is the soil beneath the surface. The intricacies of soil selection and its paramount importance in establishing a high-quality natural turf surface that ensures optimal playability is too often overlooked. 
Benedict SmartMix® 2 was selected by the contractor TRN Group for the turf rootzone at Samantha Riley Drive Reserve. The same Benedict product was recently used on the successful Balmoral Road Reserve Sports Complex, also constructed for Hills Shire Council. It was specifically chosen for, among other attributes, its ability to resist compaction. SmartMix 2® helps to ensure that the turf remains firm and stable even under heavy use. A firm and stable turf surface with high load-bearing capacity creates a solid foundation that minimises the risk of surface damage and enhances the overall playing experience. 
One of the critical considerations in soil selection was its ability to provide a rapid return to play after rainfall. Benedict SmartMix® 2’s free-draining nature enables efficient water removal, preventing waterlogging and ensuring quick post-rain recovery. This significantly reduces the downtime caused by wet weather, allowing user groups to resume play sooner and minimising the risk of injuries associated with a wet surface.
SmartMix® 2 was also selected for its ability to provide excellent growing conditions for the turf. The soil composition, organic matter content and nutrient balance were analysed and adjusted to create an environment that fosters healthy root development and robust turf growth. This ensured a dense, resilient playing surface capable of withstanding heavy use while offering good traction and shock absorption, reducing the risk of injuries and enhancing player performance. 
In addition to performance considerations, the selection of SmartMix® 2 also considered sustainability and environmental responsibility. By opting for an imported soil that met the required criteria while considering its ecological impact, the sports complex demonstrates a commitment to both athletic excellence and environmental stewardship, aligning with Hills Shire Council and the broader community's values.
The success of Samantha Riley Drive Reserve can be attributed, in part, to the astute selection of SmartMix® 2, which was carefully chosen to create an optimal root zone for the natural turf surface. The soil's ability to resist compaction, facilitate efficient drainage, and provide ideal growing conditions has contributed to the sports complex’s growing reputation for playability and safety. 
Through the inclusion of Benedict SmartMix® 2, the sports complex provides a durable, high-performance playing surface that will withstand intense use and adverse weather conditions.
To see how the SmartMix® range can support your next project, visit benedict.com.au/smartmix-product-range
Find out more from the Benedict team at the links below.
