(Ongoing School Relationship) Barker
(Ongoing School Relationship) Barker
Barker College is a prestigious K-12 school in Sydney’s northern suburbs.
As the demand for versatile sports facilities grows across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific, architects are increasingly challenged to design spaces that cater to multiple sports while optimising space and functionality. One critical solution to this challenge is using portable posts in multisport courts. Whether for schools, clubs, councils, or rooftop courts, portable posts offer a range of benefits that make them essential for any modern sports facility.
1. Flexibility and Adaptability: A Key Advantage
One of the most significant advantages of portable posts is their flexibility. In a world where sports facilities are expected to accommodate multiple activities, quickly switching from one sport to another is crucial. Portable posts allow for easy setup and removal, making it possible to transform a basketball court into a tennis court, or a netball court into a pickleball arena, in minutes.
In designing multisport facilities, this adaptability is invaluable. Portable posts eliminate the need for permanent installations, which can limit the functionality of a space. Instead, they allow for dynamic use of the court, catering to the needs of various sports enthusiasts. This flexibility is especially important in schools and community centres, where different sports may be played throughout the day.
2. Maximising Space in Urban Areas
In urban environments, space is at a premium. Architects are often tasked with designing sports facilities on rooftops or within confined areas where traditional installations may not be feasible. Portable posts offer an ideal solution in these scenarios. For instance, mobile tennis systems that do not require sleeves are perfect for rooftop courts, where drilling into the surface may not be an option.
The ability to create a multisport court without the need for permanent posts or sleeves means that every square metre of space can be utilised efficiently. This is particularly beneficial in cities where space constraints can make it challenging to build dedicated sports facilities. By incorporating portable posts, architects can design courts that serve multiple purposes without compromising on quality or safety.
3. Enhanced Durability and Performance
While flexibility and space optimisation are critical, durability and performance are equally important factors to consider. Portable posts, such as those facilitated by RMA Sport, are designed to withstand the demands of competitive play. Made from heavy-duty steel with a powder-coated finish, these posts are built to last, even in high-intensity environments.
One standout feature of portable posts is the integrated weight system, which ensures greater net tension without causing the posts to lift under strain. This is particularly important for sports like tennis, where maintaining proper net tension is essential for fair play. Additionally, the cable path across the top of the posts allows for a full-size net to be used, ensuring that the court meets competition standards.
Having high-quality portable posts means that the designs will not only look good but will also stand up to the rigours of regular use. It is always good to take this as a key consideration when designing facilities for councils, schools, and clubs, where durability and longevity are top priorities.
4. Optimising Storage and Mobility
Another significant advantage of portable posts is their ease of storage and mobility. In facilities where space is limited, the ability to quickly and efficiently store sports equipment is essential. Portable posts often come with features like compact, nesting storage configurations and non-marking wheels, making them easy to move and store when not in use.
For example, RMA Sport’s mobile tennis systems include a wheel lift system that improves stability during play and makes it easy to transport the posts to and from storage. The compact design allows for efficient use of space, ensuring that the court remains clear when not in use. This is particularly useful in multi-use facilities where different sports may be scheduled back-to-back.
Helping architects, so that they can design facilities with minimal storage space without sacrificing functionality. By specifying portable posts, they can ensure that their designs are practical and user-friendly, catering to the needs of facility managers and users alike.
5. Cost-Effective and Sustainable Solutions
In addition to their functional benefits, portable posts offer cost-effective and sustainable solutions for multisport courts. By eliminating the need for permanent installations, portable posts reduce the overall cost of construction and maintenance. This is especially important for councils and community organisations operating on tight budgets.
Furthermore, portable posts can contribute to sustainability efforts by minimising the need for invasive construction techniques, such as drilling into the ground for sleeves. This makes them an eco-friendly option for sports facilities, particularly in sensitive urban environments where minimising environmental impact is a priority.
This can be a strategic decision that aligns with budgetary and environmental considerations. By choosing products that offer long-term value and sustainability, they can create facilities that meet the needs of today while being mindful of the future.
Conclusion: A Winning Choice for Multisport Courts
Portable posts are an essential component of any multisport court. Their flexibility, durability, and space-saving design make them a perfect fit for modern sports facilities across Australia, New Zealand, and the Pacific. Using portable posts in designs not only enhances the functionality of the space but also offers a cost-effective and sustainable solution that benefits both users and facility managers.
Whether it’s a rooftop court in Sydney, a school gym in Auckland, or a community centre in the Pacific Islands, portable posts ensure that sports facilities can adapt to the needs of their communities.
Are you designing a multisport court? Consider the importance of portable posts! They might be the key to unlocking the full potential of your space.
Barker College is a prestigious K-12 school in Sydney’s northern suburbs.
RMA was excited to help with the establishment of the new facility for the Camellia Wolves.
Over the last 20+ years, RMA has been a constant support for the AIS, home if Australia’s elite sporting training facilities.
Over the years, RMA has been involved in 5 Pacific Games, the event that connects the best sports people from Pacific island nations together in a festival of sport.
RMA’s involvement in new builds starts early, in quantity surveying or early design. We work with the designers and other stakeholders to determine the profile of the new facility.
RMA works hard to support local government authorities with all their indoor and outdoor sports infrastructure requirements.
Over the years RMA has worked with hundreds of architects on hundreds of projects all across the Pacific.