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Two new state-of-the-art artificial turf fields with Hydraway are now part of a revamped soccer complex in Lafreniere Park.

And … QSM played a roll in getting them “off-the-ground” by supplying critical components which sit underground. 

The $3 million project, a public-private partnership between Jefferson Parish and the Louisiana Fire Soccer Club, are now part of the existing six grass fields on the site. An extensive drainage system and associated components were a large part of the project, which also featured synthetic turf supplied by St. Gabriel-based GeoSurfaces, and new lighting which expands the availability for more night games.

QSM supplied Hydraway 2000 flat drain, A-2000 PVC pipe and fittings, and catch basins on the project.

Hydraway is an innovative subsurface drainage solution that combines a high-strength polyethylene core bonded to a needle-punctured, nonwoven geotextile filter fabric.

Hydraway systems offer higher fluid inflow rates that remove water more effectively than a traditional pipe-based drainage solutions, because a Hydraway system offers easier and more affordable drainage installation than conventional systems and the product lasts longer than traditional pipe.

It is one of the most durable sports turf drainage solutions on the market today.

Hydraway Underfield; Drainage Pipe at Perimeter

The Hydraway flat drain was installed underneath the field’s playing surface, and traditional A-2000 pipe was installed so surround the perimeter. In this fashion, water is sheathed off field, to the edges, which sit below ground surrounded by permeable stone, where stormwater then drains into the lagoons and public system.

QSM supplied GeoSurfaces with 11,000 linear feet of Hydraway 2000, 12-inch flat drain, 2,400 linear feet of 15-inch perforated A-2000 pipe, associated fittings, and six pre-cast structures.

Improvements at the Lafreniere soccer complex serve three purposes:

• Give more opportunities to youth in the New Orleans area. Grass fields need to be shut down occasionally for wear and tear and drainage issues, and the turf fields will allow the organization to conduct more camps and clinics.

• Attract more visitors to the park, as the new fields will be able to host additional matches and practices.

• Host more leagues and tournaments at the space that will be an economic driver to that area of Metairie.

The park has been home to much of the soccer activity in the New Orleans area since it first opened in 1982.

The project began in 2018 when Jefferson Parish Councilman Dominick Impastato — whose district includes Lafreniere Park — established a committee to determine what additional needs, upgrades and amenities the green space needed to realize its full potential.

That group, comprised of various stakeholders in the area, ran an analysis, and it was unanimous that the top need was an upgrade to the soccer fields, Impastato said.

Impastato said the largest cost of the project was the drainage aspect because artificial turf does not drain the same way as natural grass and dirt. A complex set of drainage pipes had to be built underneath the surface to properly drain the field.

St. Gabriel-based GeoSurfaces served as general contractor on the project.  Engineering and architecture were supplied by Meyer Engineers, of Metairie, and QSM supplied the materials.

“QSM and David Beach were great to work with,” said Ben Moran of GeoSurfaces. “They got us what we needed and were ready on time.”

The turf for these new fields is made by TenCate Grass, and is manufactured in Georgia. Called Allsport Ultra, it is made of durable and pliable synthetic fibers for use on football, soccer, lacrosse, and multi-purpose sports fields.

Call QSM for your next sports turf drainage project 855-469-2015.