Artificial Clay courts project
UPDATE March 2024
Members voted overwhelming to support the project with 86% of those voting in favour. The sub-committee has finalised negotiations and has chosen contractor Trevor May Ltd to install the highest quality carpet and sand similar to that installed at Wye tennis club.
Although advice was taken early in the process, our landlords h
ave asked to confirm that no Planning Permission barriers are involved. As this time, we are waiting for a meeting with Swale Borough Council.
The proposed date for installation is this August 2024 and will take approx 2 weeks.
Exciting news, the committee is recommending that all courts are upgraded to Artificial Clay.
Information and events are planned through January, with voting by members due by 5th February.
What’s the project?
To upgrade the courts and mini courts to Artificial Clay
A polypropylene carpet infilled with a red sand (clay)
New higher kerbs around the courts to retain filler
What are the benefits?
The surface is much less slippery when damp and are playable more quickly after and during light rain.
Play may continue in frosty conditions, only exceedingly heavy frosts remain a problem.
To reduce the risk of injury - short term (slipping or falling) and long term (joint impact)
The softer surface also is less demanding on muscles so you feel less stiff and achy after long games or matches.
Less likelihood of coaching being cancelled. Coaches need regular and secure income, every cancellation makes a big dent. Its also bad for learners.
What will it cost?
Quotes for main and mini courts ~£79,000
Annual maintenance fee of ~£2k which includes weedkiller, infill top-up and deep decompaction.
The club has the funds now, there will be no impact on subs and since no route forward for a 4th court, this is a way of increasing capacity through less cancellations.
Why do it now when the courts are ok?
The current surface will be 4 years old and probably has another 5-6yrs life, although the ‘rust spots’ may cause this to be earlier. However the committee feel the benefits mean the project should be done now.
Reduces the loss of playing time and risk of injury. Coaches’ income and programme disruption is occurring NOW
Mini courts need resurfacing within the next few years
Contractors are expecting a significant cost increase as evidenced at other clubs seeing a 20% increase recently
What maintenance is required?
Brushing after each playing session (<5mins)
Monthly cross-brushing and repositioning of accumulated infill
Spring & Autumn moss and weed killer.
Decompaction annually using specialist equipment
How long will the courts be out of action for?
Approx 2 weeks but some play possible
What about the mini courts?
The mini courts suffer the most from frost as they are more in the shade
Juniors use these courts the most so suffer the most
Commonest reason for loss of coach income
Infill will get transferred increasing the slip risk
We would not have to resurface the mini courts if converted, the current surface would have to be replaced in 1-2 years
The Pickleball will bounce slightly less.
What’s the impact on coaching?
Approx 5 full days of coaching were lost in 2022/3 due to frost and 2 days so far in 2023/4
Infinity feel that the biggest reason for pupils not completing or renewing programmes is when breaks occur and interest is lost
Artificial clay is a slightly slower surface than tarmac
Mini Red coaching on this surface at other clubs shows little impact on play
Can I try it out?
Time is available at Wye, Margate and Polo Farm (Canterbury). See booking sheet in the clubhouse
Spaces are limited, so if you sign up please be confident in being able to attend!
Got a question?
Ask at (email t.b.c)
Q&A at the clubhouse Thur 18th Jan 7pm
There is more info on our website
What next? How will we decide?
Adult members can vote and must do so by 5th Feb
Members will receive an email with a link to an on-line vote or may email to (email t.b.c)
Alternatively, voting forms will be in the clubhouse and maybe posted there
Jack's view
Russel's view
Why now? Gavid