Breathing new life into old grounds

Amy Taylorin Synthetics

PO110808_Surface_03 retouched.jpgNotts Sport's Multi-Use Games Areas can transform an existing asphalt, concrete or stone area - and inject new life into club and community sports.

Take a look at Garth Park in Maesteg, South Wales, where four asphalt tennis courts used up more than 200 sq ft of ground, yet were hardly ever used.

The court surfaces were cracked and uneven and dotted with puddles in wet weather, and the unpredictable bounce was putting off even the keenest of players.

Now the area has been transformed into a Multi-Use Games Facility with synthetic turf cricket practice nets alongside, it isn't just popular with sportsmen and women at the nearby Maesteg Celtic Sports Club - it's a community hub attracting use by schools, sports and social groups and families.

Notts Sport was approached by Bridgend County Borough Council to help find a new solution for the under-used tennis area.

Andrew Thomas, Sport and Recreation Manager for Bridgend County Borough Council explains: "We have a long history of working with Notts Sport. The surfaces they have supplied to us in other parts of this area are still going strong after more than 15 years of use and they represent good value for money in terms of both the initial installation, their use and maintenance.

"The company is also very supportive in terms of determining the technical factors to suit each project, which include factoring in electricity supplies and drainage. They always ensure their installation teams bring this wider knowledge to each project."

The Garth Park project was funded with support from the Sports Council for Wales, the Welsh Assembly Government, Garfield Weston Foundation and the town and community councils, which all recognised the value of the installation.

Their foresight is already paying dividends and when the facilities were officially opened by the Mayor of Bridgend, local primary school children arrived in droves to take part in a multi sports activity day at the site.

By promoting new links between Maesteg Celtic and the wider community, the new facilities will support a broad range of sports and activities encouraging young people and their families to become involved in local sports and lead more healthy and active lives. Maesteg Celtic will also develop links with other sports clubs, schools and community groups to increase the range of opportunities that are available.

Notts Sports is widely recognised as the leading specialist supplier of low-maintenance and vandal-resistant surfaces, offering a versatile, multi-sports option for users.

The unique VHAF NottsSward system used in Notts Sport multi-sports surfacing systems allows rain to drain away easily through the "Vertical Horizontal Angular Fibres".

The surface is also vandalism resistant, requires only limited maintenance during its long lifetime, and is available in a pallet of 15 colours including both muted and dynamic shades.

Notts Sport has built up an impressive client portfolio, working with local authorities, schools, clubs and national and regional sports bodies.

The company has over 24 years' experience in providing non-turf technology for cricket, tennis, hockey and football as well as children's play and multi-use games areas.


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