Blog
Indoor sports centres – what can they offer?
So at the beginning of the year I blogged about the benefits of using an outdoor gym and exercising outside, however with all the freezing cold weather we’ve had recently sometimes it isn’t an option – especially when the ground is covered with snow and ice.
Playrite’s Jose Conde competes in the ITF 2012 San Diego Seniors World Championships
If you regularly read the Playrite news and blog then you’ll have read about Jose Conde, Playrite’s Spanish Distributor, back in August when he explained what he loves about our Matchplay 2 tennis surface. Well now we’re writing about Jose for a completely different reason...
The Rules of the Playground: Are you listening Mums and Dads?
Children are always being made aware of the rules of the playground; no fighting, no biting, no shoving....That being said, it’s important that parents know and follow the Rules of the Playground.
What is a 3G surface?
It has to be one of the most asked questions in the world of synthetic surfaces, alongside “what is Astroturf?” and “will my artificial pitch need maintenance?” A 3G surface, or third generation is a long piled tufted carpet that has rubber and sand infill. Predominately used for football, although some 3G surfaces with a 40mm pile heights are suitable for hockey and multi sport.
Playrite visits the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition at Harrogate Week
Yesterday was the first day the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition and Pauline Thompson, event organiser tweeted that it was a “great first day @ #HarrogateWeek with 3009 visitors through the doors, I think that's a record!” With that in mind I’m really looking forwards to what I’m going to see there....
Playrite’s Company of the Month: AstroSport
This month, Playrite are happy to have AstroSport as our company of the month. Paul Gelsthorpe, office manager, has been good enough to send over some information about the company and explain a bit more about what they do. Paul has worked for the company since August 2010 and can often been found tweeting on behalf of Astrosport...
What are the benefits of using an outdoor gym?
Across the UK, outdoor gyms are becoming increasingly popular. Exercising outside has been known to help burn more calories than inside and is more likely to improve your mood and self esteem than exercising in a traditional indoor gym....
A New Start to the New Year
Let me begin the first Playrite blog in January off by wishing all our readers a Happy New Year and a successful 2012. For us, we expect to see lots of changes throughout the year both professionally and personally and as we return to work we’re all looking forwards to the new opportunities that the year will bring.
Happy Christmas from the Playrite Team
Wishing all our customers, followers, friends and individuals in the industry a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year from everyone at Playrite!
Specialist Surfaces for Education offer School's Brand New Kit for Team
Sister companies Heckmondwike and Playrite team up and launch their latest competition giving education sector the chance to win a new sports kit for their school.
Outdoor Artificial Bowls Maintenance
This week, Richard Steadman managing director of Dales Sports Surfaces has been kind enough to give us his top maintenance tips for preserving your artificial bowling green.
Playrite Tennis Surface - Review of Qualities and Suitability
At Playrite, we are always going to be saying the best things about our synthetic surfaces, so it’s great to hear our customer’s feedback to ensure that it reflects our opinions on our products. Below is a report from Pensford Tennis Club who visited Ember Sports Club after Playrite’s Matchplay 2 surface was installed.
How Playrite are Using Social Media
This week, I got the opportunity to write a guest blog for Pauley Creative using Playrite as an example of how a construction product manufacturer uses social media. In case you missed it you can read the interview below...
Protect Your Artificial Pitch from Frost this Winter
Although synthetic surfaces are often described as being suitable for all weathers, just like any outdoor facility a synthetic surface will be susceptible to extreme weather conditions such as harsh frost. Playrite Area Manager Sean Colbert has put together some information below on...
How a Roof Top Playground or Roof Top Sports Area can transform your School
A roof top playground is an excellent solution when space is limited. By making the most of an area that may otherwise be unused, schools, nurseries, colleges and universities are able to maximise their facilities and transform roof top areas into gardens, playgrounds and even sports pitches.
20 Years of Synthetic Sports Surfaces
Playrite are proud to have been established now for 20 years, manufacturing quality woven, tufted and needlepunch surfaces for sport, play and leisure. Our stand at FSB, Cologne last week really highlighted all we have achieved and are proud of.
Guten Tag! From Playrite at FSB Cologne
Well ladies and gentlemen, it has finally happened. After months of planning since I first started at Playrite in December we've finally made it to FSB all in one piece. The stand is set up, the floor laid, we've got our corporate shirts on and the beers are in the fridge cooling. Now we’re just putting the finishing touches to our stand and waiting for our first visitors to arrive; so I thought I’d take some time to upload a blog direct from the Koelnmesse.
Synthetic Safety Surfaces for Playgrounds – Installation Information
Ever wondered how a synthetic surface can help to transform a playground? This short animation shows how a Playsafe system by Playrite is installed, and the benefits of having a safety system with a critical fall height from 80cm up to 320cm.
FSB Cologne – Just 2 Weeks to Go!
Well I can hardly believe it myself, but there is just two weeks to go until the start of the 2011 FSB exhibition in Cologne. If you’re visiting the exhibition, then no doubt the flights and hotels will all be booked, suitcase not quite packed. But if you’re exhibiting like we are then I am imagining your offices are in a similar state to ours at the moment...
What a transformation! All thanks to an artificial surface by Playrite.
Not a week goes by without a synthetic surface manufactured by Playrite transforming the facilities of another school or sports club. Although summer is now definitely coming to an end, on site in West Yorkshire our factory is still full of activity creating high quality sports turf.
Artificial Tennis Court – Installation Information
Want to know how an artificial tennis court is installed? Watch our short animation for hints and tips including details on how inlaid lines for court markings are incorporated into the surface.
Rugby – A Game for Gentlemen
As the Rugby Union World Cup is now taking place in New Zealand the media has become heavily involved and no doubt this will be repeated with the Olympics next year in London 2012. With that in mind, Playrite asked rugby enthusiast and Northern Area Manager Mark Waite to tell us what makes the game for gentlemen so fascinating.
A Multi Use Games Area is Always a Winner!
Here at Playrite we’re always getting involved with projects like the transformation of Lightwater Leisure Centre in Surrey – they needed to get as much as possible out of their sports facilities and to maximise their revenue but had to stick to a budget. This is where a multi use games area is the perfect solution.
Synthetic Turf by Playrite features in Stoke Sculpture
Throughout the years, our Nearlygrass range has featured in many gardens, schools and exhibitions – but I was shocked to realise yesterday that it had also helped to create a sculpture at Stoke-on-Trent, just outside Staffordshire University.
Playrite on Back to School Safety
The summer is now almost over and very soon it’ll be back to school time for thousands of children across the UK. So if you’ve bought uniforms, new books, stationary and school shoes you’ve probably already been concentrating on getting your kids back into the school routine.
Company of the Month: Sports Surface Installer Soft Surfaces
Established in 1997, Soft Surfaces is now one of the leading installers of all types of sports and safety surfaces including 3G pitches and artificial grass as well as wet-pour, polymetric MUGA’s, shockpads and impact absorbing surfaces.
FSB Cologne – 10 Weeks to Go
I almost cannot believe it myself, but yes there is just 10 weeks till the start of the FSB Exhibition in Cologne, Germany. If you haven’t yet booked your flights or hotel – do so now! We’re well on our way with preparations and things are coming along nicely since the last blog which we published with 32 weeks to go and time is definitely flying!
The Truth about Artificial Cricket Wickets & Surfaces
Over the last few months, there seems to have been a lot of debate around which artificial surface is the best for cricket. You may have seen our previous blog Cricket: How to Choose the right Synthetic Surface which included a downloadable PDF detailing the pros and cons of each manufacturing process for cricket wickets and surfaces.
What exactly is a MUGA or Multi Use Games Area?
For anyone who isn’t in the know, a MUGA or Multi Use Games Area is just as it sounds – an area designed to be suitable for as many different sports as possible. Mostly seen in schools or sports clubs where a facility has to offer a playing surface that can suit many individual needs, they are also a great option when space and budgets are tight.
2012 London Olympics: The Countdown Begins
Today it seems that everyone is talking about the London Olympics and how the countdown has now really begun with exactly one year to go until the events kick off. Yet it appears that individuals are not as enthusiastic about the London 2012 Games as organisers and those involved would have hoped.
Synthetic Sports Turf Manufacturer Presents Winner
Last week Playrite’s National Area Manager Steve Byrnes presented Mike Busby, Chairman at Townsend Tennis Club with their prize – a completely personalised logo mat for use at their club. Mr Busby entered Playrite’s Win a Logo Mat competition in May telling us:
Cricket: How to Choose the Right Synthetic Surface
At Playrite, we get a lot of queries from individuals asking what is the right artificial cricket surface for their project. It can be a difficult one to answer as there are pros and cons to each different type of product, and the market is full of a wide selection of surfaces all suitable for cricket.
Playrite: Expert Manufacturers of Artificial Turf
For 20 years now Playrite have been manufacturing synthetic grass for sports, playgrounds and for gardens; and as the UK’s only manufacture to create woven, needlepunch and tufted surfaces we know a thing or two about artificial turf. We produce the surfaces on site in West Yorkshire and put all our efforts into creating high quality, long lasting products suitable for many different project criteria’s
Wimbledon Fever Hits as Tennis Clubs Update to Synthetic Surfaces
It happens every summer. Wimbledon fever has hit the UK, and the nation is caught up in a tennis related frenzy. As a result of this, Playrite has seen a huge increase in inquires from clubs looking to update their facilities. You may have seen from our case studies page, we’ve worked on so many projects involving tennis clubs...
Playrite visit PlayFair: The Only Outdoor Play Exhibition
This week’s blog is all about the PlayFair exhibition held on Tuesday 21st and Wednesday 22nd June 2011. Myself and Sales Director Chris Pickles travelled down on the Wednesday to check out the hype, meet with Playrite rep Sean Colbert and say hello to some familiar faces and meet some new ones in the play and landscaping industries.
Find out which Tennis Club Won with Playrite
At the beginning of April, Playrite launched our first competition of the year - ‘Win a Logo Mat’ - open to all tennis clubs across the UK. The prize? A completely personalised 2 x 1 m logo mat for the lucky winner. All the tennis clubs had to do to enter was to email and tell us why their club deserved to win in 15 words or less.
Playrite’s Area Manager Tackles the 3 Peak Challenge
By now our Area Manager Steve Byrnes is approximately halfway through the 3 peaks challenge – the group started late Tuesday afternoon with Ben Nevis and are hoping to finish at the bottom of Snowdon less than 24 hours later. Regarded as one of the UK's most challenging events the 3 Peaks 24 Hour Mountain Challenge...
Artificial Turf: Information for Architects and Specifiers
Last Thursday we launched a new page on our website offering Information for Architects and Specifiers. The page is specially targeted to architects to give them a little more information on specifying synthetic grass for sport and leisure, and includes a handy guide which is free to download.
Because Sport Matters
I know we’ve blogged before about the importance of exercise and play for both adults and children, but now I’d like to highlight why it is that sport matters so much.
On Saturday the Guardian reported how children are getting weaker as computer games replace sports and outdoor playtime...
Playrite Answer Your Questions
For this week’s blog we’ve decided to take a note of Rigby Taylor’s new blog (http://rtturftalk.blogspot.com/) and answer a few of the questions we get asked on a regular basis. If you have a question you’d like Playrite to answer please email us info@playrite.co.uk or tweet us @playritesurface.
Save our Bowling Green
Last week I read an article in the BBC News titled “Bowls: The quintessentially British sport under threat” asking the question of whether or not bowling should be protected from property developers and cost-cutting councils. As the outdoor season begins, hundreds of thousands of men and women across the country will be beginning their games in the sunshine.
Dales MD Takes on the Triumph Triple Challenge.... With a little support from Playrite.
Last weekend Oulton Race Course in Cheshire held the 2nd Round of the MCE British Superbike Championship, but what we’re really interested in is supporting Dales Sports Managing Director Richard Steadman in the Triumph Triple Challenge!
With Nearlygrass - It’s a dog’s life
Playrite’s Nearlygrass range is often seen installed in playgrounds, gardens and balconies where because of bad weather and over use real grass cannot grow. Even with good weather artificial turf can be a godsend as it requires no watering, is low maintenance and you don’t have to worry about getting your lawn mower out ever again.
Playrite introduce you to Heckmondwike - Our Sister Company
Playrite and Heckmondwike have a lot in common, whilst in other ways we are two very different companies. Here are the key points for what is similar and what is different about us.....
Why 2011 is a Year for Tennis
To celebrate the launch of our Win With Playrite tennis competition, open to all UK Tennis Clubs, this week’s blog is written by tennis enthusiast Abigail Sulc.
What’s new at Playrite
Since December, Playrite have had a lot to shout about, and if you follow us on Twitter or Facebook then no doubt you’ll know exactly what we mean. Playrite are really striving to get involved with our customers and the community this year - so if you’re not an avid follower then here is a quick summary of what’s been going on since December
Did you see us on the TV?
Throughout this year already some of our products have been featured on the small screen, and we were wondering if you recognised us? If not, I don’t blame you, but to make sure you spot us next time here are a few occasions where Playrite has had their five minutes of fame.
The Sun is Shining... It's Playtime!
I have to admit it, both this week and last, with the improvement in the weather I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about (and writing about) playtime, and how good it is to be out in the glorious sunshine. Kids all across the UK are putting down their Nintendo DS’s and logging off the internet to go and play outside in the sun, making the most of the good weather while it lasts. And it is refreshing to read in the news how children still love playground games.
FSB Cologne - 32 Weeks to Go!
In 32 weeks time exactly, the doors will be opening at Cologne Koelnmesse for the FSB Exhibition: The International Trade Fair for Amenity Areas, Sports & Pool Facilities....
Going Green in More Ways Than One
As a manufacturer based in the middle of the beautiful Yorkshire countryside, we are reminded daily of the need to ensure the sustainability of all the products we produce. So for all the decisions we make today regarding our sports and leisure surfaces, we have to think about the environmental impact that this could have on tomorrow. The topic of the environment is becoming increasingly important, with events such as last week’s Ecobuild attracting more visitors and exhibitors than ever before.
Artificial Turf and the question of Maintenance
Great maintenance advice from those in the know....There is no doubt that the introduction of artificial playing surfaces some 25 years ago has been fundamental in changing the way many people play a whole raft of sports.
Playrite Tackles Education
Playrite has always been involved in the education sector, and understands the importance that education plays in a child’s development. Whilst this week school kids across the UK will be enjoying a rest over half term, by next week they’ll be back at the chalk board working hard.
The Importance of Exercise
No one wants to be out running in the cold, dark evenings or hitting the gym after an exhausting day at work, but we all need to make time for exercise in order to maintain our health and fitness levels.
As I’m sure you’re aware, obesity can have a severe impact on your health, increasing the change of getting type 2 diabetes, some cancers, and both heart and liver disease. It also places a burden on the NHS with costs caused by obesity estimated to be £4.2 billion per year.
ConstrucTALKs and Be2 Awards Wednesday 9th February 2011
Still reeling from the shock of being nominated for an award, I packed my bags for London to represent Playrite in the hope of bringing back a trophy, set with pen and paper for an afternoon of learning.
The Changing World of Artificial Turf
In the 20 years that Playrite has been established there have been massive improvement as well as diversification in the realms of artificial turf. All those years ago, artificial turf was seen as a universal remedy for sports of all varieties and we all remember the plastic pitches at football clubs like QPR and Luton Town and the inevitable problems that ultimately lead to their demise.
The Importance of Play
Here at Playrite, we’ve seen an awful lot of media coverage surrounding children and the importance of play over the last few weeks in both the UK and USA.
Meet the Playrite Team
So this is the third blog entry, we’re nearly at the end of January, and I’ve just realised that for those of you who are unfamiliar with the Playrite team, you’ll have no idea who we all are! How rude of me not to introduce everyone sooner. So let’s meet the team...
Why Change is Just as Good as a Rest
So we’ve made it halfway through January, and I have to say the enthusiasm is starting to dwindle as the dark nights and mornings draw on and the weather continues to switch from snow, to sleet, to torrential rain (it’s grim up north!) The thing that is keeping us going is the promise of spring....
An Introduction to Playrite
Let me start by wishing everyone a slightly belated Happy New Year from the Playrite team. We hope you had a lovely rest over Christmas, and are now settled back into work, ready to face 2011 head on! Before we talk about all the up and coming events in the New Year, I want to take some time and remind you all what’s been happening in the last year at Playrite....
Recent Posts
- Indoor sports centres – what can they offer?
- Playrite’s Jose Conde competes in the ITF 2012 San Diego Seniors World Championships
- The Rules of the Playground: Are you listening Mums and Dads?
- What is a 3G surface?
- Playrite visits the BIGGA Turf Management Exhibition at Harrogate Week
Categories
- Indoor Sports Centre (1 posts)
- Manufacturing (1 posts)
- Fitness (3 posts)
- Merry Christmas!! (1 posts)
- Rugby (1 posts)
- Exhibitions (11 posts)
- Playrite News (45 posts)
- Products (13 posts)
- Case Studies (10 posts)
- The Environment (2 posts)
- Playsafe (9 posts)
- About Us (19 posts)
- Multi Use Games Areas (5 posts)
- Maintenance (4 posts)
- Nearlygrass (5 posts)
- Tennis (8 posts)
- Cricket (2 posts)
- Company of the Month (2 posts)
- Installation (2 posts)
- Snow and Frost (1 posts)
- Social Media (2 posts)
- Bowls (1 posts)