Welland Park Academy, Leicestershire
Hockey Pitch Refurbishment
This project involved the refurbishment and resurfacing of the existing hockey pitch at Welland Park Academy to FIH standards.
The existing synthetic turf and sand infill was firstly cut into manageable pieces for removal and recycling along with the existing in-situ rubber shock-pad.
The exposed macadam base was then thoroughly cleaned and all vegetation, dirt and detritus removed from the perimeter fence line. The mowing margin and path were then treated with proprietary herbicide and moss treatment. A straight edge test on the macadam base was then carried out to check the levels were to the correct tolerances for hockey. Certain areas were identified, and remedial work was carried out to ensure the FIH standards could be achieved. This involved chopping out some of the existing macadam surfacing, compacting the sub-base and reinstalling new macadam to match into the existing.
A new 15mm in-situ rubber shock-pad was then installed using 2-6mm angular rubber granules bound and missed within a 10% single part resin binder. The new synthetic turf was then installed to provide a versatile playing areas that can accommodate hockey, netball, football, tennis and even athletics.
Sam Blades, PE Teacher at Welland Park Academy, said, “The pitch is fantastic. It is going to greatly improve the quality and range of PE lessons and extra-curricular sport we can provide. The students are really excited to start using the new facility!”
As part of this project we also supplied the UKs very first electric maintenance machine for synthetic turf, reducing the school’s environmental impact when compared to a traditional petrol-powered one. The Turf Eagle electric maintenance machine promotes cleaner and greener practices whilst keeping noise levels to a minimum.
Martin Towers, the Finance & Operations Director said “The project was completed on time and to a very high standard. I think the facility is amazing and will make a huge difference to both students and the community. I am excited to see the surface change with different sports with the use of semi-permanent paint!”
