Sand for the outdoor volleyball court at EA Networks Centre arrived onsite today, as the project nears completion.

Over the past week or so, contractors have dug a base for the 20m x 12m court in the flat grassed area north of the carpark. The special sand was laid on top today.

Sport & Recreation manager Richard Wood said the new sand court would be fenced off for about four weeks while the grass edges were established.

“The court will have poles and a net that is suitable for the outdoors and we hope to have it open for the public towards the end of March.”

While the sand court is not quite ready for use, keen volleyballers will soon be able to play on a grass court nearby, which is to be set up with poles and an outdoor net.

Richard said there was an enthusiastic volleyball community in the district.

“We have a regular organised volleyball competition in the stadium and soon we will have this free outside space where friends and families can come and have fun playing socially, on the sand or the grass.

“The outside courts are a good fit with the free disc golf course that has got a lot of use in the few years it has been running, and the outdoor area will benefit again when the new 18-hole mini golf course is built later this year.

“Our whole ethos at EA Networks Centre is to help people lead healthier lives through movement and these free activities are extremely important in helping achieve that.”