Blakedown Sport & Play have completed extensive resurface and refurbishment works on the existing hockey pitch and athletics track at Down Grange Sports Complex in Basingstoke.
The full size pitch was originally converted to a water based surface back in 2001, but with major developments in artificial surface technology the most recent pitch resurface carried out by Blakedown uses a sand-dressed carpet. Soft curled yarns are part filled with sand so the fibres remain wet longer. The sand layer supports the fibres in strength and also retains more moisture so giving the same playing characteristics as the water based surface which hockey players prefer, as it results in a fast pitch and true ball roll. This high-tech surface benefits the club all round as it is economically and environmentally friendly.
The existing athletics track was refurbished with a top quality high-spec sandwich system; it was extended to 8 lanes with two 8 lane sprint straights and two ‘D’s, as well as upgrading to existing field event facilities. All meeting IAAF standards.
A new floodlighting system was installed to the track and field to bring the whole facility up to date.
British Olympic 2012 hopeful Ben Hazell trains on the track at Down Grange with Basingstoke & Mid Hants Athletics Club, the club are in division 2 of the British Athletics League and this enhanced athletics facility will allow the club to host national and regional fixtures in Basingstoke.
It is also hoped that the upgraded facility will be an attractive as a venue for an Olympic Training Camp.
1 February 2012
