The tarmac ball court in Norwood Park , by Elder Road, is due to get an upgrade to astroturf. An artificial grass surface means the ball court can be used as a pitch for competitive junior and adult football matches and training for other sports.
The council has set aside £150k to invest in sport facilities in Norwood Park. Following talks with the Football Association, Friends of Norwood Park, The Norwood School and local community sports clubs there are 2 alternative options. One option is for a junior sized pitch 97.4m x 52m and the other for a full sized pitch 106m x 70m.
West Norwood Wordpress.
The tarmac ball court in Norwood Park is known by thousands of people around the world by another name – The Green Mile. It is home to the UK’s largest representation of BMX Flatland riders and the beating heart of UK Flatland.
BMX Flatland is a creative sport and a progressive artform which demands years of humble dedication to learn; the end product can be breathtaking. Despite their modest appearance, some riders who train at The Green Mile have competed all over the world and have brought home World Championship titles. Some have been coached and supported from an early age.
I implore you to include this community as primary stakeholders in any project that would affect the court in Norwood Park. Their achievements should be celebrated and they have earned the right to be heard. While their requirements are not substantial – they need flat tarmac – I would warn you against assuming that there is somewhere else for them to go with their bikes. Trust me, we’ve looked and there isn’t.
Chris Carter.
Do we really need another astroturf pitch? Footballers and tennis players prefer grass and, this bit of land has been used by Bmx trick cyclists for as long as I can recall. In its current state, it is practically maintenance free(bar some lining every now and then). Astroturf needs care and does not last forever.
Would it not be wise to assert your efforts in a new scheme? After all, cycling is on the increase, bmx was hugely successful at our Olympics and by taking this away, what do intend to put in place for this very large community who will have their “hobby” area stolen from them? I regularly have seen large groups of bikers in the area, making the most of their “haven”.
The place is fine as it is. As the saying goes “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it”
Kind regards Chris Russell.
Flatland bmx is an all year round activity/sport/hobby/career, The Green Mile (the name that was given to the area by local rider and also 3 times world champion Phil Dolan) is the one place that you're guaranteed a good ride, It has enough room for everybody to co exist, Be it bikes ,Cricket, RC cars, Dance, Running and somtimes even Football, if its football season that is.
To put astro turf will only limit its usage and it will not achieve its full potential to serve the ''community''.
The local flatland community has made it their home for the last 8 years and it is known worldwide to be the number 1 spot to come and visit if you come to the UK
Help us to save the Green Mile from the dreaded astro turf and the lock and key that will soon follow it unless you have payed upto £75 an hour (fact). Its not about the money its about the good times, Let them roll.
Jason Forde / 1wmbmx
Filmed and edited by 1WM
Music: The choice of life by VaLance DraKe
You can help us by leaving a comment about the current situation in the west norwood forum.
westnorwood.wordpress.com/2015/05/27/astroturf-for-norwood-park/
A big thank you to all who came to the jam over the 2 days and to those who also came in sprit.
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After doing a BMX 'zine for ten years (1987 - 1996) FATBMX made it on the internet. The year was 1998. Here to stay.