Christchurch
New Zealand
Site Profile
Foster Park’s 16 soil-based, natural grass playing fields are subject to strong prevailing winds, cold winters, and hot, dry summers, with ever-increasing participation rates from the various sports. Given the harsh weather conditions and frequent community use, the park required an irrigation system that was efficient, reliable, and easy to manage and maintain. It also needed to deliver excellent uniformity to ensure safe and playable surfaces year-round. Ground closures and injury prevention were also notable concerns for sports ground managers.
For over 20 years, WaterForce, a leading water management and irrigation solutions provider, has partnered with Hunter to deliver an array of outstanding irrigation systems across New Zealand. To combat the unique challenges of the park, the team selected the reliable ACC2 Controller, coupled with the cloud-based Centralus Irrigation Management Platform, for seamless, user-friendly management of over 200 individual zones. Throughout the park, top-of-the-line ICV Valves wired to ICD Decoders help ensure hassle-free operation of the expansive sprinkler system.
Since their installation, Hunter’s stainless steel I-25 Rotors have helped establish and maintain excellent playing surfaces throughout the year, delivering the reliable performance and robust design needed to conquer the conditions of every season. The park now receives routine spring servicing to ensure that each part of the system is in peak shape for the upcoming summer activities.
As a result of its efficient Hunter irrigation system, Foster Park now offers a safe, playable, and well-maintained space for athletes to enjoy throughout the year.
According to Grant Brokenshire, “Making good decisions on and off the field is a must for any sports team. Selecting Hunter products for performance, reliability, and ease of use continues to be a great decision for WaterForce.”
Following the renovation, the park was awarded New Zealand’s coveted titles of Outstanding Recreation Facility and best Active Park/Sportsground of the Year in 2024 — a testament to the vision of the Selwyn District Council and the late John Reid, the district’s long-time Major Projects Property Manager and a former cricket player.