New artificial turf pitch for DJK Barlo: construction work has begun

Construction of the new artificial turf pitch for DJK Barlo has now begun with a symbolic ground-breaking ceremony. A modern sports facility with floodlights is planned, which should be completed this year. The city is investing around 1.5 million euros in the project, which is part of a comprehensive relocation of sports facilities.

The new artificial turf pitch is being built to the east of the previous grass pitch on Vardingholter Straße/Kalkendiek. The project will replace the previous cinder pitch so that a continuous sports facility can be used in future. An energy-saving LED floodlight system is planned next to the pitch, which will allow training to take place all year round.

The construction was recommended by the sports committee in February 2023 and approved by the city council. The construction project has now been officially launched with the symbolic ground-breaking ceremony by Mayor Thomas Kerkhoff.

The artificial turf pitch offers decisive advantages over another grass pitch option: Training opportunities even in the winter months and much more reliable use in summer, as there is no need for expensive irrigation systems. In addition, the DJK Barlo sports centre will also be relocated centrally between the grass and artificial turf pitches.

As part of the relocation of the sports pitch, the area of the previous cinder pitch will be used for a new development area. "With this measure, we are strengthening the city's sports infrastructure and at the same time creating new development opportunities for housing", says Bocholt's First City Councillor and Head of the Sports Department Björn Volmering.