Ageing Redgra sports pitch get Notts Sports Upgrade
Youngsters are reaping the benefits of the remarkable transformation of sporting facilities at their Yorkshire school - all thanks to the involvement of world leading synthetic surfacing specialist Notts Sport.
Pupils at Ripon Grammar School were unable to enjoy year-round football, rugby, hockey and athletics because the outdated redgra-shale surface which was previously in place became unplayable for large periods of the year in various weather conditions.
That was until the school called upon the expertise of Notts Sport, which designed a bespoke synthetic turf pitch to support a wide variety of activities including hockey, tennis, football, athletics, netball plus general aerobic activities.
Using their expertise and experience of redgra conversions throughout the UK, Notts Sport designed the new facility by recycling the majority of the existing stone base to form the lower base construction of the new synthetic pitch, reducing the amount of spoil sent to landfill and saving the school vast sums of money as a result. Over 27 years Notts Sport have become experts in the design of redgra conversions and Ripon Grammar School is the latest customer to enjoy this unique approach.
The new synthetic turf pitch - complete with fencing, gates, free-standing sports equipment and an underlying drainage system - is fully equipped for football, hockey, rugby training and tennis, with a special extension to incorporate a 100m athletics track.
Robert Holmes, of MHB Partnership, which project-managed the scheme on behalf of the school, says the new pitch is proving a great success.
"The school couldn't be happier with the finished product," says Robert. "The old redgra-shale surface was no longer fit for purpose because it couldn't be used in wet weather, and it was quite abrasive as well, which isn't ideal for sports.
"The new synthetic pitch is absolutely fantastic and means pupils can enjoy a variety of sports and games all year round. Notts Sport did a tremendous job with the project - they were very efficient and I would recommend them to anyone."
A VHAF NottsSward synthetic turf surfacing system was chosen for the 92m x 67m facility, including a 12m x 10m sprint track extension.
The playing system, comprising a new upper dynamic granular stone layer and a Sand Envelope System performance control system, surfaced with the needle-punched sand-filled synthetic grass, was installed by Notts Sport's approved contractor, Cleveland Land Services.
Notts Sport Chairman Shaun Patrick says: "The brand new synthetic turf pitch at Ripon Grammar School is yet another example of how a well designed, high quality synthetic turf pitch can be the ideal solution for refurbishing an existing facility.
"What's more, our Design & Advisory service is available at no additional charge to the materials we supply, so customers can be sure that their projects are financially viable and tailored to their needs at no up-front cost."
The cost-effective way to provide a wide range of sports and activities in one self-contained area, Notts Sport designed facilities are proven to be long-lasting options designed to minimise life costs for the customers and users.
Notts Sport's high-quality solutions comprise every component required for the scheme to create just the right performance for activities such as football, hockey and tennis, from base construction through to performance layers and synthetic grass surface.
The package of facility design options includes every element of the scheme to the extent of drainage, access arrangements, perimeter fencing and floodlighting, even new car parking areas or additional non-synthetic turf facilities can be delivered as part of the contract and part of Notts Sport service.
Notts Sport customers and project teams benefit from expert advice and assistance from the design stage to installation and aftercare, while retaining full control over the characteristics and components that make up their specific facility.
The company, which has over 27 years of experience in the sports and play surfacing sector, also assures full quality control throughout the installation through its free project management service and by using its network of trained, qualified contractors located throughout the UK.
Further information on Notts Sport's surfacing solutions and their unique Design & Advisory Service is available by calling 01455 883 730 or by visiting www.nottssport.com.