112 | COMMUNITY Canterbury Hockey Turf upgrades boon for Canty hockey Two of Nunweek Park’s three hockey pitches are being upgraded from sand-based turf to modern, watered synthetic turf. T T Kim Newth Canterbury hockey players have an exciting year of play ahead at Nunweek Park, where turf redevelopment is delivering international-standard hockey pitches. Two of the park’s three hockey pitches, which are owned and maintained by the Canterbury Artificial Surfaces Trust (CAST), are being upgraded from sand-based turf to modern, watered synthetic turf. CAST is an independent trust that provides facilities for Canterbury hockey and works closely with the Canterbury Hockey Association. “This redevelopment work is essential for the future growth of community hockey in Canterbury, as top players simply won’t play on sand-based turf anymore,” says CAST Chair Selwyn Maister. “You can’t slide on a sandbased turf without getting grazed, because it’s an abrasive surface. The water-based turf looks the same but plays very differently – it’s a whole different game.” One of the new turfs, originally laid at Nunweek Park in 2012, is already finished and ready for play in 2023. The other one, which was laid in 1989, has required more work to replace the pitch base and shock absorption pad beneath the turf as well as the play surface itself. This second water-based turf is on track to be completed by March 2023, in time for the busy winter season. New water and drainage systems have been installed as part of the redevelopment, along with new fencing. A third sand-based turf - still in reasonable condition - will also continue to be used this season. Nunweek Park’s hockey turfs are used yearround by the region’s 6,000 hockey players, with up to 100 games and 50-60 training sessions held there every week. The new Polytan turfs are up with the best in the world, meeting International Hockey Federation standards as well as international guidelines on sustainable sports flooring. While Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub is Canterbury’s number one hockey venue and will continue to be the venue of choice for international games, Nunweek Park can now serve as a second top level option for provincial hockey in Christchurch and as an incubator for talent. “This is critical for our young players and their future development. Without these surfaces, they would not be able to progress to the international level.” The $2.7m upgrade is being funded from CAST reserves and with the support of various community funders, including a $393,000 grant from the New Zealand Community Trust. “Without their generous support, we simply would not have been able to afford to replace these turfs – we’re incredibly grateful for the support of NZCT and our other funders.” The old non-biodegradable turfs have not gone to waste. Once removed, they were rolled up and offered to the community. Rather than sending them to the landfill, CAST has been delighted to see this resource put to good use in various ways across the region. Meanwhile, Hockey New Zealand is welcoming the return of international hockey competition to our shores this year, after a three-year hiatus. Ngā Puna Wai in will be the venue for both VBS Men and Women as they face Australia and Great Britain from April 2230 – including an ANZAC Day double header. LAND DEVELOPMENT UTILITIES ROADING SPORTS FIELDS 03 313 0407 | admin@edr.co.nz PO Box 827, Rangiora, 7400 North Canterbury Bridging the gap to quality construction. The right civil construction company can make or break your project. Twoman Structures' highly skilled crews to produce fast and quality results. www.twomanstructures.co.nz
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=