Ffestiniog Town Council set out to enhance local recreation facilities by transforming an unused gravel area into a vibrant multi-use sports space for the community. Located in the heart of the town, the site had the potential to become a valuable hub where residents of all ages could come together to stay active, socialise and enjoy outdoor sport.
Working closely with Town Clerk Ellen Pugh, Pentagon Play’s Commercial Sales Manager Mike Clark supported the council in exploring options for installing a 30 x 30 metre Multi Use Games Area (MUGA). The goal was to create a durable and accessible surface that could support a variety of sports, including tennis, basketball and netball, while remaining suitable for year-round community use.
With a £10,000 grant from Gwynedd Council helping contribute towards the project, the council was keen to ensure the space would be both practical and easy to maintain. The existing gravel site required minimal groundwork, allowing the project to focus on introducing a high-quality playing surface alongside clearly marked sports zones and equipment.
By transforming the area into a dedicated MUGA, Ffestiniog Town Council aimed to provide a welcoming outdoor facility where residents of all ages could enjoy sport, exercise and social activity within their local community.
Project Challenges and Design Considerations
During early discussions with Ellen Pugh, Mike visited the site in Ffestiniog to assess the existing space and understand how the new facility could best serve the local community. The area was currently covered in gravel, offering a blank canvas for development but requiring careful consideration when selecting the most suitable playing surface.
One of the key decisions centred around the choice of surfacing. The council expressed a preference for a hard surface such as wetpour, believing it would provide a durable and low maintenance solution compared with artificial grass. However, they were keen to review both options to ensure the final design would meet the needs of the community while remaining practical to maintain over time.
Another important factor was ensuring the MUGA could support multiple sports within the same space. Tennis markings were requested alongside basketball and netball equipment, allowing the area to be used flexibly by different groups throughout the day. By creating a layout that accommodated several activities within the 30 x 30 metre footprint, the council could maximise the value of the facility for residents of all ages.
With these considerations in mind, the project began to take shape as a versatile and accessible sports space designed to encourage regular physical activity and bring the community together.
Design and Installation Process
With the project vision clearly defined, Mike worked closely with Ffestiniog Town Council to develop a practical design that would transform the gravel site into a fully functioning Multi Use Games Area. The aim was to create a clean, durable playing surface that could support multiple sports while remaining easy for the council to maintain over time.
To help bring the proposal to life, our in house visualisation department produced a series of detailed 3D visualisations for the council. These visuals allowed Ellen Pugh and the wider team to clearly see how the finished MUGA would look, including the layout of the tennis markings and the placement of the basketball and netball equipment. Being able to visualise the finished space made it much easier for the council to feel confident in the design and move forward with the project.
Behind the scenes, Pentagon’s estimating and operations teams worked closely together to ensure the plans were practical and aligned with the project budget. With the design finalised and the layout clearly mapped out, installation could begin, transforming what was once a simple gravel area into a vibrant, multi sport facility ready for community use.
The Impact on the Local Community
Once the installation was complete, the transformation of the site was immediately noticeable. What had previously been an unused gravel area was now a clearly defined Multi Use Games Area, offering a safe and welcoming space where people of all ages could come together to enjoy sport and physical activity.
The addition of tennis court markings alongside basketball and netball equipment means the space can support a wide range of activities throughout the week. Whether residents are meeting friends for a casual game, practising their skills or simply enjoying time outdoors, the new facility provides a versatile environment that encourages regular use.
For Ffestiniog Town Council, the project represents an important investment in community wellbeing. By creating an accessible outdoor sports space within the town, the council has provided residents with a place to stay active, socialise and enjoy recreational activities close to home.
With the groundwork laid for a vibrant community hub, the new MUGA is set to become a valuable asset for Ffestiniog, supporting healthy lifestyles and bringing people together for years to come.
A Purpose Built Multi Use Games Area
At the centre of the project is the new 30 x 30 metre Multi Use Games Area, designed to provide a durable and reliable space for community sport. A strong tarmac foundation was selected to create a solid base for the facility, while the addition of a high quality 4G sports surface provides grip and comfort underfoot. This combination offers a long lasting solution that can withstand regular use while remaining suitable for a range of activities.
Clear line markings were introduced to support multiple sports within the same space, including tennis and basketball. Adjustable basketball posts and tennis equipment allow the area to adapt easily depending on how residents choose to use it, ensuring the facility can serve different age groups and skill levels.
Additional sports goals were also incorporated into the design, encouraging informal games and helping maximise the versatility of the space. By combining durable surfacing with flexible sports equipment, the new MUGA provides a practical and well designed facility that supports a wide variety of community activities.
Supporting Community Sport in Ffestiniog
Working with Ffestiniog Town Council on this project has been a fantastic opportunity to help create a space that benefits the entire community. From the early conversations with Ellen Pugh through to the final installation, the shared goal was to transform an underused area into a facility that encourages people to come together through sport and physical activity.
The new MUGA now provides a welcoming space where residents of all ages can take part in a variety of activities, whether that’s a casual game of basketball, practising tennis or simply enjoying time outdoors with friends. By introducing a flexible and durable sports area, the council has created a facility that supports healthy lifestyles and strengthens community connections.
We hope the new sports area brings many years of enjoyment to the people of Ffestiniog and continues to be a lively hub where the local community can stay active, social and engaged!
