Christ Church New Malden School recently underwent a remarkable transformation of its outdoor play area, replacing a tired asphalt surface with Playrite’s high-quality Matchplay 2 artificial grass surface.
The project, completed in partnership with ETC Sports Surfaces Limited, has provided the school with a safe, durable, and aesthetically pleasing multi-use games area (MUGA), ideal for a range of sports and general play. Working closely with parents and the wider community, the school is dedicated to fostering high achievement through a varied and engaging curriculum that nurtures essential skills and celebrates diversity. With the support of government funding, they seized the opportunity to enhance their sports provision, ensuring that students have fi t-for-purpose outdoor PE and recreational spaces.
Their long-term vision is to develop a sustainable programme that not only promotes active and healthy lifestyles among pupils but also provides valuable green space for the broader community.
However, before the renovation, the school’s outdoor area was far from ideal. The aging asphalt surface suffered from poor drainage, worn-out markings, and a hard, unforgiving texture that limited safe play.
Recognising the need for a safer, more adaptable surface, the school sought a durable solution for year-round sports and play. To address these challenges, ETC Sports Surfaces Limited prepared the ground to ensure a fully porous foundation, preventing waterlogging and improving long-term durability. The installation of Matchplay 2 delivered a high-performance sports surface suitable for a variety of activities.
Nick Drake, Sales & Project Manager at ETC Sports Surfaces Limited, emphasised the importance of providing safe, high-quality sports facilities for schools. “The transformation at Christ Church New Malden has created a durable, multi-purpose area that will support students’ physical activity for years to come. Playrite’s Matchplay 2 surface delivers excellent playability, comfort, and safety for young athletes.”
Now, the school enjoys a vibrant and functional MUGA that seamlessly integrates with its existing playground and equipment. The surface caters to multiple sports, including netball, football, and general play, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all students, including wheelchair users. With minimal upkeep, Matchplay 2 ensures lasting durability and a consistently high-quality finish. Importantly, its porous nature prevents water accumulation, keeping the space usable even after heavy rainfall.
Chris Pickles, Sales Director at Playrite, highlighted the practical advantages of the new installation, stating: “Matchplay 2 provides a fantastic, long-lasting play surface that ensures both safety and performance, whilst delivering a low-maintenance solution for schools.”
The revamp of Christ Church New Malden School’s outdoor play area is a testament to the importance of investing in high-quality sports surfaces. By selecting Playrite’s Matchplay 2, the school has created a safe, inclusive, and versatile facility that will benefit students for years to come, supporting both structured PE lessons and free play opportunities.
In 2019, a school in Bukovany, a municipality in the Hodonín District of the South Moravian Region in the Czech Republic, sought to upgrade its outdoor sports facilities with a durable and versatile surface. The objective was to create a multipurpose school playground that could accommodate various sports while also being accessible to the public. Playrite’s Matchplay 2 was selected as the ideal solution for the project due to its outstanding durability, low maintenance requirements, and suitability for multiple sporting activities.
The school needed a surface that could withstand high usage levels from students and community members while maintaining performance and safety standards. The goal was to provide a facility suitable for a variety of sports, including football, basketball, and tennis, while ensuring year-round usability with minimal upkeep. Additionally, the school wanted to create an inclusive space that would be accessible to both students and the wider community, offering a long-lasting, cost effective solution.
To meet these needs, the school opted for Playrite’s Matchplay 2, a versatile synthetic surface specifically designed for
multi-sport environments. With its durable needlepunch construction, the surface provides excellent playability across different sports, while the sand-dressed finish enhances grip and safety. One of its standout advantages is its low maintenance requirements, reducing long-term upkeep costs. Its weather-resistant properties also ensure consistent performance, regardless of seasonal conditions.
The installation was carried out by Precol, an experienced contractor specialising in artifi cial sports surfaces. The process was completed efficiently, minimising disruption to the school’s daily operations. Since its installation, the new surface has transformed the school’s outdoor play area, enabling students to engage in a wide range of sports while also providing a valuable recreational space for the local community.
A representative from the Precol commented: “We presented Playrite’s Matchplay 2 to the school as it is suitable for multi sports and relatively low maintenance. The surface has been a great addition to the community’s outdoor area, allowing everyone to enjoy various activities in a safe and high-quality environment.”
The project has demonstrated the benefits of investing in a multi-use surface, enhancing both school sports programs and community engagement.
Armitage Park in Laurentides has recently undergone an exciting transformation. The park’s redevelopment, undertaken in collaboration with the landscape architecture firm KAP and Atmosphare, has introduced an innovative and inclusive recreational space designed to enhance play, accessibility, and outdoor experiences for the local community.
At the heart of the project is Playrite’s Matchwinner Velour, a premium playground surfacing option chosen for its durability, all-weather performance, and vibrant aesthetics. This high-quality, needlepunch synthetic surface is designed to offer superior comfort and longevity, making it ideal for school playgrounds, play areas, and multi-use sports surfaces. Unlike traditional grass or tarmac, Matchwinner Velour, when incorporated in an impact absorbency system, contributes to reducing the risk of injury and ensuring compliance with critical fall height requirements for playground safety surfacing. Beneath the carpet, 2-3 layers of shockpads (underlays) provide the necessary protection when a child falls, ensuring a safe and cushioned play environment.
One of the standout features of Matchwinner Velour is its low-maintenance design, which eliminates the need for regular watering, mowing, or reseeding. This makes it a cost-effective solution for schools and local authorities looking for a long-lasting, safe, and visually appealing playground surface. Its porous construction ensures efficient drainage, preventing waterlogging and enabling year-round play, regardless of weather conditions.
One of the most striking aspects of Armitage Park is its seamless integration with the natural landscape. The installation makes full use of the site’s existing contours, such as a slide built into a mound, blending play elements harmoniously with the environment. The synthetic surface not only enhances the park’s visual appeal with its vibrant colours but also ensures a safe and accessible play area for children of all abilities.
Despite its many benefits, the installation process presented several challenges. Adapting the surface to the park’s undulating terrain required careful planning and execution to maintain both functionality and aesthetics. The collaborative efforts of all stakeholders ensured the surface remained both practical and visually appealing while adhering to strict safety standards.
Beyond its immediate visual impact, the redevelopment of Armitage Park is expected to benefit the wider community by providing a safe, engaging outdoor space for families in the Laurentides region. The addition of an Inclusive Carousel, designed for individuals with reduced mobility, underscores the project’s commitment to accessibility, ensuring that every child can participate in play without barriers.
Since its completion, feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with residents praising the enhanced play experience and the ability to use the space throughout the year, regardless of weather conditions.
Reflecting on the project, Chris Pickles, Sales Director for Playrite, highlighted how this initiative reinforces Playrite’s dedication to delivering high-performance, safe, and inclusive playground safety surfacing solutions.
Armitage Park now stands as a model for future developments, demonstrating how collaboration and innovative surfacing solutions can create dynamic recreational spaces that benefit local communities.
If you’re looking to enhance your school playgrounds or play areas with a high-quality, durable, and safe surface, get in touch with Playrite today to learn more about our innovative solutions!
The project’s main challenge involved a complete overhaul of the existing playground, which required the removal of old equipment and the installation of new play structures. The surfaces had to be durable enough to endure year-round use while maintaining safety and accessibility. Additionally, the installation timeline was critical, with the project needing to be completed on schedule and within budget, all while minimising disruptions to school operations.
Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30 Solution
Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30 was chosen for the new surface due to its superior durability and minimal maintenance needs. This artificial grass ensures that the playground remains accessible throughout the year, offering a consistent, safe playing surface regardless of the weather. Its realistic look and feel create an inviting and enjoyable space for children to explore and play.
Ken Smith, Playrite’s Area Sales Manager, commented, “Nearlygrass 30 is the ideal choice for schools like Wolviston Primary. It provides a reliable, year-round surface that is both safe and cost-effective, removing the high maintenance requirements associated with natural grass.”
Ashley Spink from Newby Leisure, the installation partner, shared, “The transformation of Wolviston Primary School’s playground was an exciting project. The new play area, featuring Nearlygrass 30, offers a mix of physical activities and creative exploration, all within a low-maintenance environment.”
The Finished Playground
The revitalised playground now features new timber play structures, including an impressive timber tower, as well as areas for sand play, digging, and messy activities with bark surfacing. A decked area and a bed of Nearlygrass 30, adhered to a rubber base and enclosed by bespoke timber fencing, provide an ideal setting for safe and imaginative play.
With the installation of Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30, Wolviston Primary School now enjoys a low-maintenance, all-weather play area that supports a variety of play activities, ensuring students can engage in safe, enjoyable outdoor play throughout the year.
It was crucial that the surfaces met several key criteria. Firstly, they needed to be durable enough to endure the high levels of foot traffic and wear and tear from daily use by energetic children. This meant the material had to be resilient and long-lasting, capable of withstanding all types of weather conditions throughout the year.
Additionally, the installation process had to be meticulously planned and executed to ensure that it was completed efficiently, minimising disruption to the school’s schedule and activities. Adhering to the project timeline and budget was also a critical factor, as any delays or cost overruns could have impacted the school’s ability to fully utilise the new facilities as planned. Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30 was selected to address these needs, providing a reliable, cost-effective solution that met all these requirements.
Ken Smith, Area Sales Manager from Playrite, remarked, “Nearlygrass 30 is perfect for educational institutions like Signhills Academy. It guarantees a reliable, year-round surface that’s both safe and cost-effective, eliminating the heavy upkeep that natural grass demands.”
Ashley Spink from Newby Leisure shared, “Transforming Signhills Academy’s playground was an exciting project. The new play area, with Nearlygrass 30, offers a variety of activities for the children, from physical play to creative exploration, all within a low-maintenance setting.”
The students of Signhills Academy are now enjoying their outdoor physical education lessons more than ever. With the use of Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30, the academy benefits from a low-maintenance, all-weather surface that supports diverse play activities, ensuring students can enjoy safe and enjoyable outdoor play throughout the year. Adding a bed of artificial grass, adhered to a rubber base, and surrounded by bespoke timber fencing for safeguarding, this is the perfectly enclosed addition to the playground.
Challenges
One of the key challenges was the schoolyard’s steep terrain. Atmosphäre worked with EVOQ Architecture to create a multi-level play space that maximised the available area while ensuring safety and accessibility. Additionally, the surfaces had to be durable, provide all-weather access, and require minimal maintenance, making Playrite’s expertise crucial to the success of the project.
Solution
To address these challenges, Atmosphäre selected two of Playrite’s premium surfaces: Matchplay 2 for the multi-sports pitch and Matchwinner Velour for the main play areas.
Why Playrite Surfaces Were Chosen
Chris Pickles, Sales Manager from Playrite, explained, “The Matchplay 2 surface offers unmatched versatility and resilience, making it the ideal choice for a multi-sport environment like l’Accueil. Meanwhile, Matchwinner Velour provides the perfect balance of safety, durability, and vibrant aesthetics for creative playgrounds.
Marie-France Turgeon, from EVOQ Architecture, added, “We were inspired by the school’s request for both physical and non-physical play areas. These surfaces provided the perfect foundation for our vision, supporting imaginative play while maintaining safety and accessibility all year round.
The Result
The new schoolyard is now a dynamic, multi-level space that inspires both physical and imaginative play. The sports fi eld sees regular use by students and teachers alike, and the colourful park area offers endless opportunities for creative games.
With its durable and permeable surfaces, the space is designed to endure heavy use while maintaining its vibrant appearance, much to the delight of the school’s staff and students.
This project sets a new benchmark for schoolyard design, offering a space where children can explore, play, and grow in a safe and stimulating environment.
Ark Charters School, located in a vibrant community, recognises the pivotal role sports play in shaping young minds. However, the lack of adequate outdoor playing surfaces posed a challenge to realising the school’s vision of comprehensive sports engagement. Installing a large-scale pitch was crucial, but it came with its set of challenges, including weather resilience, maintenance costs, and maximising usability.
One of the primary challenges faced was the installation of a large-scale pitch that could withstand varying weather conditions while offering year-round access. Additionally, minimising maintenance costs without compromising on quality was a key consideration. The school needed a solution that could accommodate multiple sports activities, including football and tennis, within the limited space available.
Playrite’s Matchplay 2 emerged as the optimal solution for Ark Charters School’s sports facility upgrade. With its all-weather durability and low maintenance requirements, Matchplay 2 offered the perfect balance of quality and cost-effectiveness. Its versatility allowed for the creation of multiple playing zones within the same pitch, accommodating both football and tennis courts seamlessly.
Matchplay 2’s ability to provide year-round access to outdoor pitches was a game-changer for Ark Charters School. Its robust construction ensures longevity, making it a sustainable investment for the future. Moreover, its low maintenance costs align with the school’s budgetary constraints, allowing resources to be allocated to other areas of need.
The installation of Playrite’s Matchplay 2 has transformed Ark Charters School’s sports facilities, providing students with a dynamic and inclusive environment for sports participation. The newly marked full-size pitch now accommodates two 5-a-side football pitches and three tennis courts, catering to a wide range of sporting interests.
At the time of installation, contractors Blakedown Sport & Play commented on how the product’s quality and versatility had exceeded expectations, and seeing the transformation it brought to the school’s sports facilities was truly satisfying. Matchplay 2’s durability and low maintenance requirements make it an ideal choice for educational institutions looking to enhance their sports infrastructure.
The collaboration between Ark Charters School, Blakedown Sport & Play and Playrite underscores the importance of investing in high-quality sports surfaces to foster student engagement and well-being. With Matchplay 2, the school is poised to continue its legacy of excellence in sports education, empowering students to lead active and healthy lives
Ready to transform your school’s sports facilities like Ark Charters School? Discover the benefits of Playrite’s Matchplay 2 and give your students the best in sports surfaces.
Contact us now at 📞 01924 412488 or 📧 info@playrite.co.uk to learn more!
One of the main challenges faced during the renovation was managing the removal and replacement of the old playground structures while ensuring the safety and minimal disruption for the students. Additionally, the project required a durable and low-maintenance surface solution that could withstand the wear and tear of active children and the varying UK weather conditions.
To address these challenges, Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30 was selected for its exceptional durability and low maintenance requirements. Nearlygrass 30 provides all-year-round access to the outdoor playground, ensuring that the children can enjoy the space regardless of weather conditions. Its realistic look and feel make it an ideal choice for creating a safe and inviting play environment.
Ken Smith from Playrite emphasised the benefits, noting, “Nearlygrass 30 offers a versatile and robust solution for playgrounds, ensuring that children have a safe, enjoyable space to play throughout the year without the heavy maintenance burden associated with natural grass.”
Ashley Spink from Newby Leisure added, “Returning to Manor Leas Infants was a fantastic experience. Seeing the children’s excitement as we transformed their playground was incredibly rewarding. The new play area, featuring Nearlygrass 30, provides diverse play opportunities, from water and messy play to physical and sand play.”
The playground renovation at Manor Leas Infant School successfully transformed the outdoor play space into a vibrant and engaging area for the children. With the use of Playrite’s Nearlygrass 30, the school now enjoys a low-maintenance, all-weather play area that supports various types of play and educational activities, ensuring the students can learn and play safely and enjoyably year-round.
Click here to find out more about Playrite’s artificial surfaces or contact the team on +44(0)1924 412488 | info@playrite.co.uk for more information.
When it comes to selecting the right materials for a school sports surface, several factors come into play, such as durability, maintenance requirements, and suitability for a range of sports. For Birkwood Primary School, the choice was clear. Darren Akeroyd, Director of Axo Leisure, explained, “We chose the materials because they are suitable for multi-sports and relatively low maintenance. This allows the school to host a variety of activities without needing to worry about excessive wear or frequent upkeep.”
Ken Smith, Area Sales Manager from Playrite, also emphasised the advantages of the chosen products. “The combination of the Matchpad shockpad and Tournament Elite surface offers an optimal balance of comfort, safety, and performance. This makes it an ideal solution for schools looking to maximise their sports facilities while minimising long-term costs.”
Product Overview: Matchpad 1500gsm and Tournament Elite
The Matchpad 1500gsm shockpad is a 10mm thick underlay designed to provide enhanced shock absorption, ensuring a safer and more comfortable playing experience. This is particularly important in a school setting, where young children are prone to slips and falls. The shockpad’s density and thickness help reduce the impact on joints, making it ideal for a variety of sports, from football and hockey to general physical education activities.
On top of the shockpad sits the Tournament Elite surface, one of Playrite’s most advanced multi-sport surfaces. The Tournament Elite surface is known for its durability, excellent ball bounce characteristics, and low maintenance requirements. It is designed to withstand heavy use, making it perfect for schools that host multiple sports activities on the same field.
The surface’s unique construction also contributes to its versatility. It provides excellent traction for sports like football, while also offering a smooth, consistent surface for hockey and other games that require a fast, flat pitch. Moreover, its UV-stabilised yarns ensure that the vibrant colours and performance characteristics are retained over time, even with constant exposure to the elements.
Benefits of a Multi-Use Surface
One of the primary reasons Birkwood Primary School opted for this specific combination of Playrite products was the need for a multi-use sports surface. A multi-use surface offers several benefits, particularly for schools with limited space and resources.
Firstly, it allows for a wide range of sports to be played on the same surface without compromising the quality of play. This is crucial in a school setting, where the sports curriculum can be diverse, and the same area might be used for football, hockey, netball, and other activities. The versatility of the Tournament Elite surface means that students can enjoy a high-quality playing experience regardless of the sport.
Secondly, multi-use surfaces like the one installed at Birkwood Primary School are cost-effective. Instead of investing in separate surfaces for different sports, the school can rely on one surface to meet all their needs. This not only reduces the initial installation costs but also minimises ongoing maintenance expenses. As Ken Smith noted, “A multi-use surface is a smart investment for any school. It provides the flexibility to accommodate various sports while keeping maintenance requirements and costs low.”
Finally, multi-use surfaces contribute to better space utilisation. Schools often have limited outdoor space, and having a surface that can accommodate different sports ensures that the available area is used efficiently. This allows more students to engage in physical activities simultaneously, promoting a more active and healthy school environment.
The installation of Playrite’s Tournament Elite playing surface at Birkwood Primary School marks a significant upgrade to the school’s sports facilities. The new surface not only enhances the safety and comfort of students but also provides a versatile and durable platform for various sports. With its low maintenance requirements and long-lasting performance, the school is set to benefit from this investment for years to come.
Darren Akeroyd from Axo Leisure summed it up well: “We’re confident that Birkwood Primary School now has a sports surface that will serve its students well across a wide range of activities. It’s a practical, high-quality solution that meets all the school’s needs.”
Ken Smith from Playrite added, “We’re proud to have contributed to this project, providing a surface that will help nurture the next generation of athletes and active individuals.”
In choosing Playrite, Birkwood Primary School has ensured that its students have access to a top-tier sports surface that supports both their safety and their athletic development.
Playrite’s Matchplay 2 was chosen for its outstanding reputation in providing high-quality surfaces that balance performance and comfort. This artificial surface is designed to offer optimal ball bounce and speed, which is crucial for the fast-paced nature of padel. The installation process was seamless, and the courts were ready for play well ahead of the opening event.
During the opening event, players from various skill levels had the opportunity to experience the new courts firsthand. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, particularly regarding the comfort and consistent ball bounce provided by the Matchplay 2 surface. Players noted that the surface enhanced their overall gameplay, making matches more enjoyable and competitive.
In addition to the “Magnificent Seven,” the facility also introduced two single padel courts, catering to those who prefer one-on-one matches. These courts offer an intense and focused playing experience, ideal for honing skills. Furthermore, the introduction of two pickleball courts expands the facility’s appeal, attracting a broader audience looking for diverse sporting challenges.
Padel Nederland’s new facility is not just about the courts; it is a comprehensive sporting venue ideal for corporate events, team-building activities, and family outings. With modern meeting rooms, extensive catering options, and professional introductory lessons, the facility is set to become a go-to destination for sports enthusiasts and event organisers alike.
The successful installation of Playrite’s Matchplay 2 surface at Padel Nederland’s new courts in Den Haag has elevated the playing experience for all visitors. The combination of high-quality surfaces, diverse court options, and top-notch facilities positions Padel Nederland as a premier destination for padel and other racquet sports in the region.
To find out more about Playrite Padel Court surfaces, visit www.playrite.co.uk or contact the team +44(0)1924 412488 | info@playrite.co.uk
When the school set out to create an inclusive cricket facility, it aimed to cater to students of all skill levels, from novices to potential academy prospects. The goal was to provide a comprehensive environment where both students and professionals could enhance their cricketing skills outside the traditional classroom setting. The centre boasts five distinct cricket lanes, each equipped with varied surfaces. This deliberate diversity in playing conditions transforms the centre into a dynamic testing ground, strategically designed to challenge and foster the development of students.
These varied surfaces are essential for simulating different playing conditions, helping players adapt and improve their skills. The positive impact of the new cricket centre extends beyond the school grounds. With Merchant Taylors’ close affiliation with Middlesex County Cricket Club, the benefits of these cutting-edge facilities are shared with Middlesex CC as well. This collaboration ensures that both the school and the cricket club can fully utilise this elite facility. Playrite, a prominent manufacturer of artificial sports surfaces, partnered with Durant Cricket to develop Duraweave, a woven surface specifically designed for indoor cricket facilities. Cristian Durant, Owner of Durant Cricket, stated, “We believe that the woven surface offers the best performance and durability for cricket practice. Its strength and resilience make it an ideal choice for our installations. We are confident that this surface will provide a realistic and long-lasting cricket experience.”
The installation of the Duraweave woven wicket, manufactured exclusively for Durant Cricket, demonstrated superior strength, drainage, resistance to spikes, and durability. “The new cricket centre at Merchant Taylors’ School is a testament to their dedication to sports excellence,” said Chris Pickles, Sales Director at Playrite. “This facility is a game-changer for both the school and Middlesex County Cricket Club, providing unmatched opportunities for skill development.”
The completion of the Julian Hill Indoor Cricket Centre at Merchant Taylors’ School highlights the successful collaboration between Durant Cricket and Playrite. This state-of-the-art facility not only enhances the cricketing experience for students but also strengthens the school’s relationship with Middlesex County Cricket Club, providing mutual benefits and fostering a robust cricketing community.
For more information about Playrite’s artificial cricket surfaces, contact us today.
The key objectives were to provide better protection for all users and ensuring all-year-round access for all Tennis players. The new surface aims to replicate the playability of natural clay while offering the durability and lower maintenance of an artificial surface.
The Clayrite MF surface is designed to blend seamlessly with its surroundings, providing a natural clay-like appearance that enhances the aesthetic appeal of the Tennis Centre.
Additionally, the surface supports the University’s sustainability initiatives by being durable and requiring less maintenance compared to natural clay courts.
The installation is expected to significantly benefit both the University and the wider community by providing a high- quality playing surface that can be used year-round. This encourages greater participation from both students and local community members.
The project involved collaboration between the University of Warwick, the contractor, and Playrite, the manufacturer of the Clayrite MF surface. This partnership ensured that the selected surface met the University’s needs and was installed to the highest standards.
Feedback from the University’s tennis clubs and members has been overwhelmingly positive. Users have praised the playability of the new surface, noting its similarity to natural clay and its suitability for various weather conditions. As Matthew Tew, Tennis Manager, noted, “We are very pleased with this surface and its playability, and initial feedback from our customers has been positive. This sand-filled artificial clay surface is a great addition to our Tennis Centre and plays just like a real clay surface. As we head into the summer season, our clubs and members are looking forward to utilising this great facility.”
Chris Pickles, Sales Director at Playrite, commented, “We are delighted to have partnered with the University of Warwick on this project. The Clayrite MF surface is an excellent choice for their Tennis Centre, offering the perfect balance of playability and durability. We look forward to seeing the positive impact it will have on the University and its community.”
Contact us today to learn more about Playrite’s tennis surfaces and how the team’s expertise can help with your next project.
