Project Overview:

A secondary school identified an underused and deteriorating outdoor swimming pool as an opportunity to expand its playground space. The pool had become costly to maintain and was no longer serving its intended purpose. The school decided to remove the pool, backfill the area, and tarmac it to create additional play space for students.

Objectives:

  • Safely remove the existing swimming pool and surrounding infrastructure.
  • Ensure proper drainage and ground stabilization before tarmacking.
  • Create a safe and durable playground surface suitable for school activities.
  • Minimize disruption to school operations during construction.

Project Execution:

  • Planning & Site Assessment
    • Engaged structural engineers to assess the pool’s depth, materials, and potential hazards.
    • Conducted soil testing to determine the appropriate backfill material.
    • Created a phased schedule to minimize disruption to school activities.
  • Pool Drainage & Demolition
    • Drained the remaining water and safely disposed of any hazardous materials.
    • Removed pool equipment such as pumps, filtration systems, and plumbing.
    • Demolished the pool structure, including concrete walls and floor, while ensuring compliance with environmental regulations.
  • Backfilling & Ground Stabilization
    • Filled the pool cavity with compacted hardcore and suitable fill material to prevent future subsidence.
    • Installed a drainage system to manage rainwater and prevent pooling.
    • Compacted and leveled the ground to prepare it for the final surface.
  • Tarmacking & Finishing Touches
    • Laid a durable asphalt surface to ensure longevity and safety.
    • Installed additional features such as benches and fencing to define play areas.

Challenges & Solutions:

  • Weather Delays: Unexpected rainfall required adjustments to the work schedule to ensure proper curing of materials.
  • Underground Utilities: Unmapped pipes and cables were discovered, requiring coordination with local utility providers for safe removal or rerouting.
  • Minimizing Disruptions: Work was scheduled during school holidays and off-peak hours to reduce impact on students and staff.

Outcome & Benefits:

  • The school successfully transformed an unused pool into a modern, functional playground area.
  • Maintenance costs were significantly reduced, as the new space required minimal upkeep compared to the pool.
  • Students benefited from increased outdoor play opportunities, promoting physical activity and social interaction.

Conclusion:

The project demonstrated how repurposing outdated infrastructure can enhance school facilities while optimizing space and resources. The successful execution of this project provided a valuable, safe, and enjoyable outdoor area for students, contributing to their overall well-being and development.

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