Unexpected weather conditions delay stadium floor revamp

MEDIA RELEASE - Unexpected weather conditions delay stadium floor revamp

January 2016

The floor of the Manjimup Indoor Sporting Pavilion has been sanded back to bare timber, resealed and had new lines marked which meet the international standards for basketball, netball and badminton.Though the project was to be completed in time for the commencement of the basketball season, unexpected weather conditions over the last few days have made it necessary for additional work to be carried out on the floor, which will result in a one week delay to the start of the basketball season.

"We had a very small window of opportunity to get this work done," said Shire President Wade DeCampo. "It took a full week to sand the floors, which commenced on the fourth of January, followed by a week of applying sealer and line marking. These final two weeks before the start of the basketball season were to allow the floor to harden," explained Cr DeCampo.

Ideal conditions for drying and curing on this type of floor is mid-high temperatures and low humidity. The final coat was applied to the floor, following the line marking, on Monday 18 January 2016. On this day there was a drop in temperature and a rise in relative humidity to almost 100%. Source: Bureau of Meteorology.

The increased moisture level in the air has caused the peeling and crackling of the top coat of sealer in some places. "We took a chance to make it all happen in that four week time frame so that the basketball season start date wasn't impacted. Due to these unforeseen weather conditions, a one week delay was inevitable - whether we'd waited until the weather changed back to 'normal' or not," said Cr DeCampo.

To rectify the imperfections in the coating, which have resulted from the humidity, a light sand of the floor will take place early next week, with a new top coat of sealer to be applied thereafter. "This will bring the floor back up to the desired quality," said Cr DeCampo. "Unfortunately, as that top coat will require two weeks to cure adequately, it impinges on the first week of the basketball season."

"The important thing here is that the finished product will be safer and in-line with international standards for both netball and basketball. The line colours provide optimal contrast against the natural colour of the floor and in addition, we're now also catering for badminton on court three," said Councillor DeCampo. "The final result will far outweigh the inconvenience of a one week delay. Our recreation community is going to be really impressed."

-ENDS-

Authorised by Andrew Campbell, Chief Executive Officer

Contact Gina Nieuwendyk, Coordinator Communication and Executive Support

Contact: 9771 7777

Contact for comment: Wade DeCampo, Shire President.

Contact: 0427 094 081