New multi use games area is safer, more usable and more attractive thanks to Playrite

Stoke High in Ipswich is a mixed secondary school with over 800 students. The school's biggest aim is to encourage all students and staff to achieve their best and to make the most of their talents or special abilities. The key to the school's success has been the strong relationships across the community, which is one of the reasons that Stoke High wanted to upgrade their facilities to provide a new Multi Use Games Area, which will also be used by Maidenhall Leisure Centre.

The new sports pitch was installed by Suffolk County Grounds Services who have a wealth of experience when it comes to working with Playrite and their synthetic surfaces. Matchplay 2 was selected as the best product for the project as the structured needlepunch surface offers high durability and is suitable for a wide range of sports, particularly tennis and netball and is classified to ITF category 2, medium slow. Performance characteristics are evident from day one and play can continue almost immediately, which is a huge benefit as usage is only disrupted for a minimal period.

Paul Tankard, Head of Faculty at Stoke High explained how:

"The new surface has provided a much safer working environment for pupils due to increased grip and the softer top surface. This also means it is far more useable throughout the year in any weather conditions. It drains much quicker and this allows us to use it after bouts of rain. The more attractive nature of the surface encourages participation both in school and in out of school hours. It also encourages greater community use."

Throughout the project, Jez Anstey from Suffolk County Grounds Services worked closely with Playrite's Steve Byrnes to ensure that the project was completed on schedule and to budget. Mr Anstey explained how: "Matchplay 2 is an ideal product for projects like this, just because it meets all necessary requirements perfectly. We've worked with Playrite on countless projects and are always impressed with the service we receive from them and the high quality of their products."