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In the municipality of Balzers in the Principality of Liechtenstein, a versatile all-weather pitch was created in the immediate vicinity of a primary and secondary school to replace a rather monofunctional red plastic pitch: the Blue Pitch.
Whether ball games, climbing adventures, balancing acts, sports lessons or deep breathing: the Blue Pitch focuses on maximum versatility. Three differently equipped playing fields offer space for football, basketball and numerous other games. In between, open spaces have been created for spontaneous forms of exercise. Athletics facilities, bouldering elements, a slackline, ground trampolines and the dynamic balance game Super Nova make exercise an experience for all abilities.

The facilities in detail:

• Two multifunctional pitches measuring 11m x 6.5m with small goals, one of which has a net system
• One multifunctional pitch (20m x 13m) with fixed basketball hoops
• 50m running track and long jump facility
• Climbing course, 3-bar horizontal bar, hanging course and bouldering facility
• Super Nova
• Trampoline track and slackline
• Circular running track
• Running school, balance, jumping and coordination games

The design was created by the Swiss planning office Wegmüller.

Whatever you want

The Blue Square is both a meeting place and a training ground.

• Schoolchildren use it during lessons, at break time and after school.
• Sports clubs benefit from the varied outdoor training opportunities.
• Families enjoy a range of activities together that even small children can intuitively use.
• Individual athletes find plenty of space for working out, jogging or chilling out under the newly planted trees.

The design consistently follows the principle of inclusion. All paths, access points and play areas are designed so that they can also be used by people with disabilities. The overlapping markings, free-form design and varying shades of blue of the PU-bound sports surface create an inviting, intuitive environment that does not dictate how you have to move, but inspires you to move however you want.

The low-emission LED lighting can be activated at the touch of a button until 10 p.m., allowing the space to be used in the evening as well.

How it works

Although the actual sports area is now smaller than before the renovation, the range of activities on offer to the diverse user groups, from primary school children to senior citizens, has multiplied.

The Blue Square is not a sports field in the traditional sense, but a lively exercise area for the entire community: a place to burn off energy, try things out, play, train, meet and linger. It is an example of what open space design can look like today: diverse, inclusive and full of joy in movement.

Thanks to courage in planning and quality in execution.

Floor areas: The top layer

Coloured GEZOFLEX EPDM granulate from GEZOLAN AG was used for the top layer of the elastic flooring in the new, multifunctional exercise room in Balzers, as well as for the hemispherical 3D elements. The rubber granulate from the Swiss manufacturer is characterised by consistently high material quality, good UV and weather resistance, and reliable colour fastness. These properties help to ensure that the surfaces can withstand the various usage requirements of the open exercise area on a long-term basis.

For the Blue Square, the colours 054 dark blue and 084 bright blue were used both as individual colours and in coordinated mixtures. The material thus makes a significant contribution to the overall appearance of the project, not only in terms of functionality but also in terms of design. In combination with the freely formed square design and the wide range of exercise options, the flooring supports the idea of an inclusive and flexible outdoor space.

Floor surfaces: Binding agents

A CONICA binding agent system, specially developed for elastic and durable outdoor surfaces, was used to construct the sports flooring on the Blue Square. The high-quality polyurethane binders ensure a reliable bond between the EPDM granules and contribute significantly to the longevity and functionality of the entire surface. They are designed for stable performance under changing weather conditions and support the elasticity, shock absorption and structural stability of the surface.

In Balzers, a binder was used that reliably retains its properties both during intensive sporting use and in everyday operation. It thus makes an important technical contribution to the implementation of the project: the freely designed exercise landscape should not only be visually appealing, but also remain safe, robust and easy to maintain in the long term.

The CONICA binder system used helps to ensure that the Blue Square meets the diverse requirements of an open, inclusive and heavily frequented exercise area.