Ormidale astroturf given new lease of life
Work to extend the life of the all-weather astroturf at the Arran Sports Association’s Ormidale Pavillion has been completed with the playing surface now expected to last for another seven years.
The restoration of the astroturf is largely due to a £22,279 funding boost from SUEZ Communities Trust which was secured earlier this year with the assistance of Derek Shand and Arran Community and Voluntary Service (ACVS). While regularly being used by both the junior and adult hockey clubs on Arran, the pitch suffered from poor drainage and deterioration due to old age.
Now, with the 10-day refurbishment, which involved removing the old sand and dirt, the carpet pile fibers cleaned and untangled, and the pitch re-sanded, the new surface will improve the playing conditions and drainage.
The pitch will, however, needs to be utilized before it is at its best.
The new sand needs to be tamped down and compacted, which can only be achieved with frequent use and a few cycles of rain.
The rejuvenated astroturf has been welcomed by the Junior Hockey Club’s 62 members and the Arran Ladies Hockey Club, which competes in the West District women’s hockey league and who train on it every Thursday between 7pm and 8.30pm.