This project involved the full refurbishment of the athletics track, throwing cage and high jump areas for Basildon Borough Council at their sporting village venue.
The existing facility dated back to 1969 when Basildon Athletics Club first used the original grass track. This was then developed into a tartan track in 1986, which underwent a retexturizing process in 2005 to extend its lifespan.
The existing track was showing extensive signs of deterioration. This was particularly evident in the high use areas such as the sprint straight which had numerous cracks, bubbles, deviations and ripples. There was also evidence that a recent deep clean had marked the top surface and removed some of the structural polymeric overspray. There were also several splits in the surface which had created widespread deviations which fell outside of the IAAF parameters of 6mm over a 4m straight edge for evenness. The shock absorption was also outside of the recommended parameters.
Our full refurbishment firstly began with the removal of the existing synthetic surface. We then planned off the existing macadam and made the necessary repairs to the base ahead of the new macadam installation. A new IAAF certified, impermeable 13mm thick sandwich system made up of a PUR-bound elastic layer and a PUR wear coat was then installed. We proposed this system due to it’s durability and non-slip characteristics, making it excellent for athletes in all weather conditions.
Along with the track we will also refurbished; the steeplechase lane and water jump facility, the dual long/triple jump facility, 2 no. infield long jump runways, the high jump facilities within half D-area and the javelin runway. A new hammer cage was also constructed along with a refurbishment of the surface.
The upgraded facility is now safely used by the local community, athletics clubs and schools.
