Hong Kong, 19 February 2021 — Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) announced that the turf resurfacing works for the artificial turf pitches at Tsing Yi Northeast Park and Kwong Fuk Park in Tai Po have been completed. The new infill materials are being used on a trial basis to provide better artificial turf pitches for public use.
The LCSD has been closely monitoring the latest developments of artificial turf system and relevant local and international good practices. New infill materials are being introduced at selected venues on a trial basis to enhance the third-generation artificial turf pitches under the management of the LCSD. An organic material (cork) and ethylene propylene diene monomer (EPDM), which comply with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA)’s safety requirements, are being trialled as infill materials for the artificial turf pitches at Tsing Yi Northeast Park and Kwong Fuk Park in Tai Po respectively.
The LCSD will review the durability, overall performance and cost-effectiveness of the new infill materials as reference for new facilities or refurbishment in the future.
In response to the public concerns about health and safety-related issues in regard to the artificial turf pitches, the LCSD formed the Committee on Artificial Turf Pitches in March 2017. The Committee comprises representatives of relevant government departments and national sports associations as well as experts to review the current standards, requirements and practices for the design, construction, installation, operation and maintenance of the third-generation artificial turf pitches in venues managed by the LCSD.
The LCSD has accepted the measures recommended by the Committee for providing quality and safe artificial turf pitches for public use. The relevant executive summary has been uploaded to the LCSD website for public inspection. — Construction+ Online
