The Grass Factory supplied approximately 150m² of green 12mm Needle Punch surfacing to help create a new indoor sledging attraction at Wheelgate Park, a popular family destination located in Farnsfield, Newark, Nottinghamshire.
The project involved transforming an unused area within one of the park’s indoor play centres into an exciting new feature for visitors. The completed installation has successfully converted a previously redundant space into one of the attraction’s most popular play features.
Wheelgate Park is a 30-acre family attraction featuring a farm park, water park and two large indoor play centres. In early 2025, the management team approached us with plans to create a unique indoor sledging slope within one of their existing play areas.
The surface needed to be durable enough to withstand heavy daily use, easy to install and capable of providing consistent performance for inflatable sledges and tubes, while also creating a safe and enjoyable environment for children.
Following discussions regarding the project’s requirements, our 12mm Needle Punch surface was selected as the ideal solution.
To create the attraction, the Wheelgate maintenance team constructed a timber-framed slope with a gradual descent to ground level. The structure was then sheeted with plywood to create a smooth and stable base ready to receive the surfacing.
We supplied our 12mm Needle Punch material in green to cover the entire ramp area. Unlike conventional artificial grass, Needle Punch is manufactured from densely bonded synthetic fibres that are mechanically interlocked to create an exceptionally durable surface. Its robust construction offers excellent resistance to wear and tear, making it particularly suitable for high-traffic leisure, commercial and play environments.
The smooth, non-directional surface allows inflatable tubes to glide consistently, while the dense fibre structure provides additional comfort underfoot. The green finish was selected to complement the surrounding play environment and create an attractive, vibrant feature within the indoor play centre.
Needle Punch is also available in a range of colours, allowing designers and operators to create visually striking features tailored to individual project requirements. This versatility makes it suitable for a wide range of applications including play areas, schools, leisure attractions, exhibitions and commercial environments.
The completed sledging slope has transformed a previously unused area into a bright, engaging and interactive attraction that complements the surrounding indoor play environment.
The hard-wearing Needle Punch surface provides a durable finish capable of handling continuous daily use while maintaining consistent performance for visitors. Since opening in late summer 2025, the attraction has proved extremely popular and has quickly become a favourite feature within the indoor play centre.
This project demonstrates how Needle Punch surfacing can be used creatively to transform underutilised spaces into exciting attractions while providing a durable, low-maintenance and cost-effective solution for leisure and recreational environments.
Client: Wheelgate Park
Location: Farnsfield, Newark, Nottinghamshire
Product :12mm Needle Punch
Colour: Green
Area Covered: Approximately 150m²
Application: Indoor Sledging Slope
Installation: Wheelgate Park Maintenance Team
Completion Date: 2025
Looking to create a unique play feature or transform an underused space? The Grass Factory can supply durable Needle Punch surfacing in a range of colours for leisure, educational and commercial projects throughout the UK. Contact our team to discuss your requirements.
