OUTDOOR GYM PLANNING
How to build a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)
Building a commercial Multi Use Games Area
In the pursuit of transforming communal spaces into vibrant hubs of activity and connectivity, the installation of
Outdoor activity solutions like Multi Use Game Areas (MUGAs) transform shared spaces into hubs of connection and activity for a community. MUGAs encourage physical activity, support inclusivity and promote a social environment. At KOMPAN, we recognise MUGA facilities' pivotal role in shaping community facilities that cater to diverse needs and preferences.
Creating a MUGA (Multi-Use Games Area), demands considered planning, precise execution, and adherence to specific guidelines to ensure peak functionality and safety. This is an exhaustive guide that outlines the key steps involved in constructing a versatile and durable MUGA:
Site selection and preparation
Design and layout
Surface selection
Construction and installation
Quality assurance and Compliance
Maintenance and Care
1. Site Selection and Preparation
Start by carefully selecting the right location for the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), taking into account factors like access, drainage capabilities, and proximity to facilities. Undertake a comprehensive site analysis to evaluate soil quality, gradients, and any potential obstructions. Prepare the chosen site by clearing vegetation, levelling the terrain, and resolving any drainage concerns to establish a solid foundation for the court.
2. Design and layout:
At KOMPAN, we collaborate closely with our experienced in-house landscape architects and designers to develop a tailored layout that optimises space efficiency and accommodates a diverse range of sports and activities. Determine the necessary dimensions and markings for each sport, ensuring adherence to relevant regulations and standards. Explore options for incorporating features like fencing, lighting, and seating arrangements to enhance both functionality and visual appeal. A KOMPAN MUGA solution extends beyond mere fencing and goalposts; we guarantee a multifunctional, robust facility that caters to your specific requirements.
3. Surface Selection
Selecting the right surfacing for your games area is crucial. Consider your budget, the (often harsh) Australian climate, and how the court will be used. You've got options like artificial turf, acrylic coatings, or modular tiles, each with its own benefits in terms of durability, performance, and upkeep. Make sure the surface is installed correctly to ensure it's safe and enjoyable to play on. Consult Standards Australia and their documents on sports court surfacing before making a decision.
4. Construction and installation:
Hire experienced contractors with a track record in building sports facilities. Follow established safety guidelines throughout excavation, installing the foundation, surfacing, and marking lines. Also, make sure amenities like goal posts, basketball hoops, and netting are installed correctly, meeting the required dimensions and regulations.
5. Quality assurance and compliance
During construction, carry out rigorous quality checks to catch any potential problems or inconsistencies. Confirm that everything meets the necessary building codes, Australian safety standards, and accessibility guidelines. It's important to ensure the facility caters to everyone's needs, including those with disabilities.
6. Maintenance and care
Set up a regular maintenance plan to keep the MUGA in top condition. Carry out regular checks, cleanings, and repairs to keep the surface and equipment in good shape for as long as possible. Make sure users know how to use the court safely and respectfully by educating them on proper guidelines and etiquette.
What are the advantages of a Multi Use Games Area?
Unmatched versatility
MUGAs provide incredible versatility, allowing for various sports and recreational activities in one area. Whether it's soccer, basketball, tennis, or volleyball, these surfaces enable people of all ages and abilities to enjoy their favourite games without constraints. By making the most of space, Autralian councils, state departments and landscape architects can use land effectively, making MUGAs a smart investment for communities of any size.
Getting residents active
Today, when physical activity is becoming less and less common, it's vital to encourage eople to exercise. MUGAs offer a safe and easy way for people to participate in sports and stay fit, helping to promote healthier lifestyles and tackle issues like childhood obesity. By encouraging Australians to be active, local communities can make a real difference to public health costs and cut down on healthcare expenses in the future.
Creating social connection
Beyond sports, MUGAs are engaging meeting spots where people connect, work together, and build friendships. Whether it's a casual game of basketball or soccer, these shared moments create a feeling of togetherness and community spirit. Plus, MUGAs encourage people of different ages to mingle, helping everyone learn from each other and get along.
Fostering inclusion
At the heart of MUGA design is making sure everyone can join in recreational activities, no matter their physical ability. That's why MUGAs have things like entrances suitable for wheelchairs, clear markings for people with sight impairments, and hoops that can be adjusted to different heights. By focusing on inclusivity, MUGAs make sure everyone feels welcome and valued. This helps communities come together and ensures fairness for all. To find out more about making outdoor gyms inclusive, click here.
Ideal for schools and education
MUGAs support the physical education (PE) curriculum by providing a dedicated space for structured lessons and recreational play. Teachers can design engaging physical activities that align with learning objectives, helping students develop fundamental motor skills, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a safe and supervised environment. See more inspiration for school playgrounds here.
What Multi Use Games Area should you choose?
Multi Use Games Area dimensions
You can have a blast playing basketball, hockey, netball, soccer, pickleball, and tennis on a commercial MUGA. Here's a quick look at what you need to think about for each sport when setting up your MUGA. By making sure you cover all the requirements for each sport, you can create a court that's perfect for lots of different activities, satisfying all kinds of users in one place. Check out the suggested dimensions for your games court below.
Basketball court dimensions
Dimensions: A regulation basketball court measures 28 metres in length and 14 metres in width, with a hoop positioned 10 feet above the ground.
Surface: Choose a durable, high-traction surface such as acrylic or rubber flooring to support fast-paced gameplay and reduce the risk of injuries.
Markings: Install boundary lines, centre court line, free-throw line, and three-point line according to official regulations.
Equipment: Provide sturdy basketball hoops with breakaway rims and adjustable heights to accommodate players of all ages and skill levels.
Netball court dimensions
Dimensions: Netball courts measure 30.5 metres long and 15.25 metres wide, with an approximate 3.05 metre buffer zone from each side.
Surface: Opt for acrylic surfacing (optional cushioning is also available to reduce impact on joints) if the budget permits, but standard asphalt is also useable for netball.
Markings: Information on regulation netball court markings can be found here. Lines should be white and max 50mm wide.
Equipment: Install netball posts with protective padding to withstand impacts from balls and players. You can choose to install a net/chain from the post if you wish.
Soccer 'field' dimensions
Dimensions: Soccer 'fields' vary in size but typically range from 30 to 39 metres in length and 15 to 24 metres in width.
Surface: Choose a synthetic turf or rubberised surface with good shock absorption and ball rebound characteristics.
Markings: Install boundary lines, penalty areas, goal boxes, and a centre circle according to official soccer regulations.
Equipment: Provide regulation-size soccer goals with durable netting and secure anchoring to withstand shots and weather conditions.
Pickleball court dimensions
Dimensions: A pickleball court measures 6 metres in width and 13 metres in length for doubles play, with a 2-metre non-volley zone on either side of the net.
Surface: Use a smooth, cushioned surface such as acrylic or composite material to support quick movements and reduce joint strain.
Markings: Install boundary lines, centre line, non-volley zone, and service areas according to official pickleball standards.
Equipment: Set up pickleball nets with adjustable heights and sturdy frames to maintain proper tension during gameplay.
Tennis sport court dimensions
Dimensions: A standard tennis court measures 23 metres in length and 10 metres in width for singles play.
Surface: Choose a high-quality, resilient surface such as acrylic or clay to provide consistent ball bounce and player comfort.
Markings: Install boundary lines, service lines, baseline, and centre service lines according to official tennis regulations.
Equipment: Provide tennis nets with proper tensioning mechanisms and durable posts to withstand tension and weather conditions.
What is the cost of a MUGA?
The price of setting up a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) can vary quite a bit depending on factors like size, surface material, equipment, location, and any extra features you want. Here's a closer look at what you might need to consider:
Size: The bigger the MUGA, the more it'll cost. That's because you'll need more materials and more work to build it.
Surface Material: What you choose for the surface, like acrylic, polyurethane, artificial turf, or interlocking tiles, can make a big difference in cost. Some materials need more work to get them ready and put in place, which can push the price up.
Equipment: You'll need things like goals, hoops, nets, and lines marked out. The quality and how long they last can vary, affecting how much they cost.
Site Preparation: Getting the site ready, like clearing it, levelling it out, and arranging drainage, adds to the bill.
Location: Where you're building can change the costs. Different places have different prices for labour, materials, and rules you need to follow.
Extra Features: If you want facilities like lights, fences, seats, shelters, or deocrative landscaping, that'll add to the cost too.
Maintenance: Don't forget about keeping things in good shape. Cleaning, repairs, and refreshing the surface over time all come with their own costs.
It's challenging to give a specific cost without knowing all the details of your project. That's why it's a good idea to talk to experts like builders, architects, or MUGA specialists like the KOMPAN team. They can help you figure out what you need and give you a better idea of how much it'll all cost. You might also want to look into ways to pay for it all, like loans, grants, or getting help from sponsors or the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good size for a MUGA?
The ideal size for a Multi Use Games Area depends on how much space you have, your budget, and what you want to use it for. But a size that works well for lots of different sports and gets recommended often is about 30 metres by 18 metres. With this size, you can play different sports by just changing up the markings. Make sure you think about the sizes needed for each sport you want to include and leave enough room for people to play safely and move around between different parts of the court.
What is the best surface for a Multi Use Games Area?
The most suitable surface for a MUGA varies depending on factors like the weather in your part of Australia, your budget, how much upkeep it needs, and what sports you'll be playing on it. For advice on picking the right surface for your games area, talk to a KOMPAN sales expert in your area. They can help you make the best choice.
Which sports can be played on a MUGA?
A Multi Use Games Area is designed to accommodate a wide range of sports and recreational activities, including but not limited to:
Basketball
Netball
Tennis
Volleyball
Soccer
Hockey (inline or street hockey)
Badminton
Pickleball
Handball
Futsal
Cricket (modified version)
With proper court markings and equipment, these sports can be played interchangeably on the same court, making MUGAs highly versatile and suitable for various user groups and preferences.
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