SDAR Field Rehabilitation Project
Restoring the school's playing field to new standards of safety, usability, and performance.
Discover The ProjectProject Overview
The SDAR Field Rehabilitation Project was initiated to restore and enhance the school's playing field, ensuring it meets rigorous safety, usability, and performance standards. This comprehensive project included vital infrastructure improvements, the planting of new, durable turf, significant drainage upgrades, and the installation of a modern irrigation system.
A key emphasis was placed on involving the entire school community, including staff, students, SDARA, and parents. This inclusive approach aimed to foster long-term sustainability, cultivate a profound sense of belonging, and create a lasting legacy for future generations, all under the guiding spirit of "Berilmu Untuk Berjasa".
Our Objectives
Improve Drainage
Enhance field drainage and surface conditions to prevent waterlogging.
New Grass Turf
Plant new, durable grass turf suitable for sports and recreational activities.
Efficient Irrigation
Install an efficient and modern irrigation system for sustainable maintenance.
Community Engagement
Engage the school and SDARA community throughout the execution process.
Ensure Sustainability
Implement proper fertilization and compost application for long-term health.
Project Timeline & Milestones
Stage 1: Kick-off & Site Preparation
Initial project kickoff and preparing the site for rehabilitation work.
Stage 2: Subsoil Piping & Cambering
Installation of drainage pipes and correcting the field's camber for water runoff.
Stage 3: Grass Laying & Irrigation
Planting of new cow grass sods and installation of the irrigation system.
Stage 4: Growth Monitoring & Maintenance
A crucial phase of careful watering, monitoring, and initial maintenance for healthy turf growth.
Stage 5: Top Dressing & Aeration
Applying fine sand (top dressing) and aerating the soil to improve surface level and health.
Stage 6: Finishing & Field Handover
Final touches and official handover of the completed field, six months ahead of the initial schedule.
Financial Summary
Total Project Cost
RM148,534.07
Fundraised (Crowdfund)
RM141,222.00
Funded by PASL
RM7,312.07
Project Cost Breakdown
Expenses by Category
| Subcategory | Key Expenses | Amount (RM) |
|---|---|---|
| Field Rehab | Grass, materials, machinery, wages | 134,611.59 |
| Gotong-Royong | Meals | 538.00 |
| Irrigation | Machinery | 1,817.75 |
| Variable Orders | Consultancy, tools, extra materials | 7,474.25 |
| Total | 148,534.07 | |
Funding Source
The project was 100% funded by SDARA and Persatuan Alumni SDAR Lions (PASL) through a crowdfunding drive. Support came from alumni batches spanning from the 1960s to 2023, showcasing the strong community spirit.
Project Implementation
1. Field Plotting & Water Level Measurement
The first step was to identify the field's high and low points to plan the "crowning." Crowning raises the center of the field, allowing water to naturally drain to the edges. This process revealed that low points in the middle were causing water residue and damaging the turf, especially during the rainy season.
2. Subsoil Pipe Drainage Installation
To actively remove excess water, 23 HDPE subsoil perforated pipes were installed. These pipes channel water away from the field into the existing monsoon drain. The trenches were layered with crusher run gravel and washed sand to filter the water and prevent clogging.
3. Surface Levelling
Bad soil from the low-lying areas was removed. A large amount of new topsoil was then brought in as backfill material to fill these areas and create the precise crowning curvature designed from the water level data.
4. Turf Grass Planting
Durable, low-maintenance cow grass was selected. Nearly 45,000 square feet of grass sod was planted, covering 60% of the field. This stage heavily involved "gotong-royong" programs with alumni, staff, parents, and students.
5. Irrigation & Turf Growth Monitoring
Ensuring the new turf survived the dry season was a major challenge. A system of poly pipes, sprinklers, a water pump, and tanks was installed. Manual watering was also required for critical spots.
6. Top Dressing & Soil Aeration
To create a perfectly level playing surface, two stages of top dressing were performed. Fine sand was applied manually to uneven areas, and later, a thin layer was applied by machine after aeration to promote healthy growth.
7. Compost & Fertilizer Application
Compost was applied before planting to improve soil health. After 3 months, fertilizer was applied to provide concentrated nutrients. This application is recommended every 3 months for sustainable long-term turf health.
Community Involvement
The "gotong-royong" effort saw incredible involvement from SDARA, students, and parents. This engagement helped instill a sense of shared ownership and pride in the newly rehabilitated field.
Challenges Encountered
- »Managing irrigation timing during the heat wave and dry spell.
- »Coordinating delivery and site work across multiple stakeholders.
- »Unforeseen minor delays due to weather and labor-intensive manual tasks.
- »Inability to implement total field closure due to ongoing school activities.
Recommendations & Future Work
- »Continue scheduled maintenance: regular grass cutting, top dressing, and fertilization.
- »Monitor subsoil drainage performance during heavy rains.
- »Acquire basic field maintenance equipment (e.g., grass cutter, drag-mat).
- »Plan for Phase 2 upgrades, which may include a covered pavilion.
A Successful Collaboration
The SDAR Field Rehabilitation Project was successfully completed through strong collaboration between SDARA, PASL, and the School's Administration. The project was achieved at a minimal cost (approx. RM1/sq ft) thanks to the powerful support and commitment from every party involved. This project, initiated by SDARIANS for SDARIANS, is a true portrayal of their unconditional love for the school and reflects the true spirit of "BERILMU UNTUUK BERJASA".
ONCE A SDARIAN, ALWAYS A SDARIAN
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