Monkton Prep School, Bath
We are delighted to announce that we have completed the new sand dressed hockey pitches for Monkton Prep School in Bath. This long awaited facility, comprising of over 9000m2 of artificial grass, was completed in 16 weeks and is ready to be enjoyed at the start of the new term.
"From start to finish, Verde Recreo's professionalism has shone through. Their desire for perfection in every aspect of the construction process was evident for all to see. The final product is outstanding and a joy to use."
Martyn Creeth, Deputy Head, Monkton Prep SchoolDescription
This prestigious contract comprises of a full size hockey pitch, with a half sized practiced pitch alongside. The chosen site was an existing playing field perched on a hill top, with commanding views over the MIdford valley and beyond.
After the topsoil had been stripped a substantial balanced cut and fill operation was undertaken; nearly 5000m3 of weathered limestone was moved to create a level plateau on the hillside. At this point we encountered a serious problem. Holes began appearing in the cut side of the plateau, on investigation some of these appeared to be up to 5m deep. Work had to stop, but as we were working to a tight schedule a solution had to be found fast. We engaged mining specialists SLR Consulting and Hydrock, who quickly determined that these holes were natural fissures in the limestone and came up with a method of exposing and backfilling them. We found 14 of these fissures in total which were backfilled with clean stone and capped off with concrete, the deepest of which was over 8m. What could have been a major obstacle to this project was overcome within a week of it coming to light.
We pushed on, installing the sub-pitch drainage and soakaway. Due to a strict embargo on site deliveries outside a 9.30am-2.30pm window, we began importing the 3000+ tons of type 1 sub base at the same time as the concrete kerbs were laid, this allowed us to regain the week lost to the fissures. The stone was graded using a laser controlled dozer and a 2 layer macadam base was subsequently laid to the FIH tolerance of +-6mm over 3m.
As soon as the kerbs had been completed, our fencing team commenced on site. They were installing a 3m high weldmesh system with kickboards to the perimeter and two 1.2m high spectator fences to the sides of both courts. To satisfy a planning condition, we had to design a system to reduce the noise level created by hockey balls striking the kickboards. The solution we came up with not only discharged this conditon but also enhanced the look of the facility.
After the macadam had been straight edged and signed off, our specialist sports surface team laid a 15mm in situ shock pad to both courts. Despite the wind and rain (in August!) were then able to install the Greenfields LSR NDR 18mm hockey grass.
As part of the contract we created new footpaths and stepped access to the pitches and supplied 8 self weighted professional hockey goals.
Once the re-instatement and seeding had been completed the pitches were handed over to the school with 3 days to spare before the start of the new term.
Project Diary
Work has commenced on site. The position of the pitch marked out and the topsoil strip begun.
We have been undertaking the cut and fill operation this week, which has been progressing well. We have uncovered a number of natural fissures in the limestone, which we reacted quickly to and determined a method of backfilling. Work will start on this next week.
We have exposed a number of fissures in the limestone some of which were over 6m deep. They were backfilled under the supervision of a local mining engineer with a clean stone, excavated material and capped with concrete.
All the fissures have been backfilled and we have shaped up the batters and carried out the final trim on the formation.
A busy and productive week. We completed the drainage works and are halfway through installing the kerbs. Some re-instatement has been carried out and we've begun importing the stone blanket.
The fencers began installing their posts this week and we have completed the installation of the kerbs. The stone to the ATP has been trimmed by the laser controlled dozer and is ready for tarmacing
The fencers have completed the installation of their posts, the stone to the practice pitch has been trimmed and all paths and spectator areas stoned up. Topsoil has been spread around the outside, the pitch sits very nicely in its surroundings.
We have spent this week laying the bitmac to the pitches and footpaths
The rubber crumb shock pad has been laid to the main pitch this week and the perimeter fencing is ongoing.
The shock pad to the main and practice pitches has been completed this week, the cladding of the fence is continuing and access path works begun.
The carpet is on the boat from Holland, we have been creating the access paths and steps to the pitch and the fencing is nearing completion.
The sun has been shining, the sky is blue and the main pitch is now 'Verde' green.
The sand is being spread and groomed into the carpet this week.
We have been re-instating the pitch surrounds this week and have started rolling the carpet out on the practice pitch.
The pitch has been completed and handed over to the client, in time for the arrival of the children on Sunday
The existing car park and access paths were extended and upgraded as part of the contract.
The Greenfields 18mm LSR NDR is the perfect hockey surface
A noise reducing system has beeen added to the kickboards, to lessen the impact of the project on the school's neighbours.
In keeping with the rest of the facility, quality, self-weighted hockey goals were supplied as part of the contract.
All we need now is some players.
