Page 11 - Landscape-Issue151
P. 11

PROJECT


                                                                                 •   fewer joins mean a more efficient use of
                                                                                   resources, helping to reduce the overall
                                                                                   environmental impact of the project.
                                                                                 Properties of Easigrass PT 5
                                                                                 The product uses the latest texturised turf
                                                                                 yarn technology and has the following
                                                                                 properties:
                                                                                 •   durability and UV resistance;
                                                                                 •   consistent bounce on the playing surface;
                                                                                 •   a pile height of 11mm, giving players
                                                                                   optimal grip to prevent slipping and
                                                                                   maintain comfort during play;
                                                                                 •   ease of maintenance compared to natural
                                                                                   grass and does not require mowing,
                                                                                   watering or fertilising;
                                                                                 •   excellent drainage properties, helping
                                                                                   to prevent waterlogging after rain and
                                                                                   ensuring that the court is playable soon
                                                                                   after a downpour;
           Court signage                                                         •   the grass is engineered to provide a
                                                                                   cushioned surface, reducing impact on
                                                                                   players’ joints and minimising the risk of
                                                                                   injuries.  In  addition,  the  fibres  are  soft,
                                                                                   reducing the chance of skin abrasions;
                                                                                 •   the product uses eco-friendly materials
                                                                                   and its long lifespan means less frequent
                                                                                   replacements, reducing waste;
                                                                                 •   it is suitable for use in all weather
                                                                                   conditions.

                                                                                 Installation process
                                                                                 Kirkby explains that the club remained
                                                                                 open during the upgrade of the four courts,
                                                                                 and only  one was closed  at a time.  Each
                                                                                 was stripped completely, the new turf was
                                                                                 installed and the team then started on the
                                                                                 next one. Work was required underneath the
           Overview of the courts upgraded by Real Green                         turf  as  there  had  been  ponding  issues  that
                                                                                 needed to be rectified.
                                                                                   A labour-intensive aspect of the installation
                                                                                 was getting the silica sand into the base of
                                                                                 the court; each one uses 2400 kg of sand
                                                                                 and Amber White, supplied by Greens Sand,
                                                                                 was used as it protects the base of the court
                                                                                 and ensures good bounce. It also has a finer
                                                                                 granule compared to normal bunker sand.
                                                                                   For maintenance, the existing sand is
                                                                                 topped up by adding more onto it with a sand
                                                                                 dresser and paver brush. The latter ensures
                                                                                 that it is correctly embedded into the turf
                                                                                 surface.
           Spectator seating around the padel courts
                                                                                 Judges’ comments
                                                                                 The  SALI  judges’  comments  on  the  project
                                                                                 stated: “A very neat installation, making use of
                                                                                 innovative materials and installation methods.
                                                                                 The contractor is commended for having to
                                                                                 install four padel courts without interrupting
                                                                                 the operations of the other ones. The use of
                                                                                 five metre wide rolls of synthetic grass makes
                                                                                 for a seamless and professionally finished
                                                                                 product across the general surface of the
                                                                                 court. Despite the severe climatic restraints of
                                                                                 pouring rain and blistering sun, the contractor
                                                                                 delivered an exceptional product. A neat and
                                                                                 tidy installation with innovative materials and
                                                                                 installation methods. Well executed.”

                                                                                 Information provided by Real Green. Photos by
           Amber White silica sand is used on the courts. It gives true bounce and protects the base.  Real Green and Karyn Richards.   n

           Check us out www.salandscape.co.za                                               Landscape SA • Issue 151  2025    9
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