The world of sport is being supercharged. New icons are immerging, and new generations are being inspired to get active.
Last year, sporting participation increased enormously, and the recent events of this year are unlikely to slow down that progress. The only things that might slow things down are organisations and institutions that are responsible for opening more sporting doors to more people.
One of those figurative doors is the provision of dynamic outdoor sports courts. Asphalt surfaces make these spaces more multi-faceted and accessible than ever, and it’s now commonly used at many leisure and fitness centres in the U.K. But why? Here are 4 reasons why asphalt is commonly used for outdoor sports courts.
Eco-Friendly Innovations
Many industries are investigating what more they can do to protect the planet. Those overseeing outdoor sports courts will be asking the same questions, and one of the answers to those enquiries is using asphalt.
Asphalt is durable and 100% reusable and recyclable, and manufacturers are making big strides in reducing carbon emissions through both their products and operations. Hanson is an example of a dedicated asphalt supplier and contractor that takes sustainability seriously in its operations. It reduces the use of primary aggregates in its offerings, with most of its plants using reclaimed asphalt across their entire range today. It has also reduced emissions through changing the fuel source in its plants and vehicles, and promotes the use of its warm mix asphalt to help cut the amount of energy used in asphalt production.
So long as institutions deal with a responsible asphalt supplier, securing these surfaces can reduce the impact they have on the planet. Few things are as important as running a sustainable ship today, and as shallow as it might seem, going green is a trend. Therefore, these processes are likely a major reason why asphalt is so popular today.
Highly Practical
Asphalt courts are incredibly effective and give users more ways to enjoy their sport in more time. Not having them installed limits the capabilities of sports people and the prospects of fitness centres’ services.
The weather can occasionally impede sport, especially in the rainier U.K. It can either affect athletes’ performances or cause sporting events to be called off completely. With inefficient materials and surfaces, sporting areas can also become weathered and damaged over time.
However, asphalt sports courts are porous allowing water to be absorbed. By comparison, concrete, clay, and grass can crack, pool water unhelpfully or trigger soil erosion.
If required, owners of asphalt sports courts can also apply anti-slip paint to create a safer atmosphere. When fewer accidents happen and participants feel safer, more people can get to grips with sports more confidently. Some variations of asphalt sports courts don’t require much maintenance beyond this at the best of times, either..
Asphalt sports courts are useable all year round. Sport can shine without needless obstructions and restrictions.
Multi-Sport Capabilities
Sport used to be quite regimented and stereotyped. Certain people were barred from participating in specific sports, and even some facilities and leisure centres were designed on that premise.
Of course, more sports are now rightly opening up to the masses, so outdoor sports courts must be more dynamic to accommodate these changing attitudes. An outdoor sports court with an asphalt surface means anyone can play football, tennis, netball, or basketball on a whim. Asphalt is more than just ‘the ground’ and can usher in a new wave of sports participation. Who knows what new talent could be uncovered?
After all, a netball enthusiast may not have even come into contact with tennis in the real world had they not dabbled with asphalt sports courts first. For many people, these environments can serve as an introduction to brand-new hobbies and life-changing abilities.
Many schools and sporting facilities will want to pioneer and facilitate change. Any one institution or organisation caught lagging will undoubtedly draw scrutiny. Asphalt outdoor sports courts aren’t a luxury, but a necessity, ensuring the world of sport opens up to more people more freely and conveniently.
Bringing the Community Together
Sport has been underfunded for a while. Sadly, many leisure centres have been scrambling for further investment, fearing they’ll let down their customers and fall into obscurity.
An asphalt outdoor sports court can provide common ground to the masses, literally and figuratively. It unifies the sporting community, brings people together, and lets enthusiasts know that sport is alive and well. It’s the mark of a sporting institution that wants the best for its customers and members. Its presence can inspire hope in a sporting world that sometimes seems almost hopeless.
It is not just one community that will come together either. Tennis clubs may rent out these courts for practice, schools may want to stop by for P.E. lessons, or groups of friends just wanting a quick and casual game of something may book a sporting session. Asphalt outdoor sports courts generate a lot of interest in physical activity and help people sustain the learning environments they’re trying to build.
Conclusion
Asphalt outdoor sports courts help the environment and business and give opportunities to those with few or none. Sport is in crisis, and these measures could be its lifeline. If you’re in a position to implement asphalt outdoor sports courts, delay no further.
