Ghent Replaces 14 Artificial Turf Fields with Cork Infill

Ghent is embarking on a significant upgrade of its sports facilities, allocating 6.5 million euros to renovate 14 artificial turf fields during the current council term. The announcement came from Alderman of Sport Bram Van Braeckevelt in response to questions from council member Frederik Sioen.

The primary driver for this investment is the deteriorating condition of many existing fields, with five alone at the Blaarmeersen sports complex nearing the end of their lifespan. Simultaneously, the demand for training space continues to outstrip supply, creating competition for time slots among various sports clubs.

A crucial factor in the renovation is an upcoming European Union regulation. By 2031, rubber granulate, the current infill material for most of Ghent's artificial turf fields, will be prohibited. The city has already begun transitioning to alternatives like cork on some sites.

The Flemish region is supporting this initiative with subsidies of up to 145,000 euros per new artificial turf field, provided the fields are prioritized for youth sports. The city is also submitting a proposal for the future sports cluster in Gentbrugse Meersen, with budgets allocated in its multi-year plan for nine fields across four sites.