In summer 2018, Exeter City Council engaged the services of ETC Sports Surfaces to relay and respray three of the Council’s most prominent public tennis courts at Cowick Barton Playing Fields. Given that these courts are registered with the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA), the council considered it essential to ensure that every aspect of this rejuvenation project was delivered by a SAPCA accredited contractor and met the LTA’s stringent standards for public tennis courts. Having previously used ETC Sports Surfaces to complete other sports construction works, it seems that they were the natural choice to deliver this further project.
A porous macadam surface was chosen as the resurfacing solution, providing the right balance of free drainage, scuff and softening resistance and minimal maintenance requirements to service heavy public use of the courts. The project was delivered by ETC Sports Surfaces during 2018’s historic heatwave, presenting significant challenges in ensuring that the resurfacing and respraying works were not compromised by soaring temperatures and unusually dry conditions.
Nonetheless, the ETC Sports team completed the resurfacing works in just over three weeks, before spraying the courts and handing over the completed project at the end of July. According to Chris Pellowe, Assistant Engineer for Exeter City Council, everyone involved is more than happy with the new surfaces. “In particular, we are very pleased with the courts’ finished levels and markings,” he says, “and we greatly appreciate ETC’s guidance in making us aware of the potential effects of weather conditions on the new surfaces, so that we can ensure they are properly maintained.”
Exeter City Council has recently announced a new strategic vision for the years 2018 to 2021 – a core aim of which is to promote active and healthy lifestyles for the city’s residents. ETC are delighted that this tennis court resurfacing project has been such a success, and that the council is taking such active steps to promote the importance of sport and fitness for all.
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