El Manolo Peña field grassThe pitch, located at the Ramón Martínez Municipal Sports Complex in Ponferrada, now boasts a completely renovated surface, adapted to the demands of modern football. This improvement represents a significant leap forward for one of the city's main venues for grassroots sports, heavily used by youth teams and amateur clubs.
With this intervention, the Ponferrada City Council takes another step in its lawn improvement plan and the sports facilities Municipal authorities are focusing on providing suitable pitches for daily football practice and official competitions. The new pitch has opened just in time for young players to start using it immediately.
A new state-of-the-art artificial turf at the Ramón Martínez field
The Manolo Peña field, part of the Ramón Martínez sports complex, has unveiled a latest generation artificial grass FIFA Pro certifiedDesigned to withstand intensive use and meet the demands of matches and training sessions, the old mat has been completely replaced with a new one that improves ball bounce, traction, and joint safety for players.
The renovation of the playing field is part of a global project close to one million euros earmarked for the modernization of three municipal football pitches. In the specific case of the Manolo Peña pitch, the investment amounts to 325.000 euros, which has been used to remove the old turf and... Installation of the new synthetic pavement, in addition to the complementary work necessary to prepare the field for use.
During the inauguration ceremony, the mayor of Ponferrada, Marco Morala, emphasized that this is the first field to debut new turf within this renovation planHe emphasized that the goal is for the teams that train and compete at these facilities to benefit from a pitch in perfect condition. He explained that the field is ready for the youth academy players to use starting the weekend after the inauguration.
The works have been carried out by the company Pilsan, with the support of the public company Somacyl, which has collaborated both in the financing as in the management of the renewal of the grass at the Ramón Martínez fieldThe councilor expressly thanked both entities for their work and the coordination that made it possible to meet the planned deadlines.
This action responds to a recurring demand from clubs and users, who had been calling for a comprehensive lawn improvement in the municipal fields of Ponferrada After years of wear and tear and intensive use, the new mat not only raises the level of comfort and safety, but also increases the lifespan of the installation.
Tribute to Ramón Martínez and Manolo Peña at the Municipal Fields
The unveiling of the new turf at the Manolo Peña field in the Ramón Martínez stadium also served to to pay tribute to two figures closely linked to football in PonferradaOn one hand, there is Ramón Martínez, popularly known as “el Maragato,” whose name identifies the sports complex. On the other, there is Manolo Peña, a legendary footballer for Deportiva Ponferradina and former Councilor for Sports, who passed away some years ago.
The main field of the complex will be named after Manolo Peña in recognition of his sporting career and his commitment to the cityThe mayor paid tribute to him, highlighting his time with the club in the First Division and his subsequent work at the City Hall. He noted that the intention is for this new artificial turf to be associated with Peña as a legacy for future generations.
There was also a special tribute to Ramón Martínez, a much-remembered figure in the city, whose surname is associated with the municipal fields where the turf has been improved. City officials emphasized that these renovated and updated facilities continue the spirit of... promotion of sport and support for grassroots football that they both represented.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by a large representation of the municipal government team and representatives of the entities involved in the project, who accompanied the mayor during the visit to the new turf at the Ramón Martínez field in PonferradaInstitutional support reinforces the symbolic nature of the action, beyond the mere technical improvement of the playing field.
The atmosphere during the presentation was one of recognition and remembrance, but also of looking to the future, with the idea that the newly laid turf will become the usual venue for youth and amateur matches and a meeting point for families and football fans in Ponferrada.
Investment, companies involved and overall improvement of the Ponferrada fields
The renovation of the turf at the Manolo Peña field is part of a broader plan promoted by the Ponferrada City Council to to upgrade the municipal football pitches and their artificial turfThe total amount is around one million euros and is divided between three facilities: Manolo Peña himself, in the Ramón Martínez fields, and the Cuatrovientos and Flores del Sil fields.
In the case of Campos Ramón Martínez of Ponferrada, the 325.000 euros invested have allowed for the complete replacement of the carpet, the base adequacy and the preparation of the ground so that the new material meets the quality and durability specifications. This type of FIFA Pro standard turf is designed to withstand a high number of hours of use per week, something essential in facilities with such high activity.
The works have been developed by the company Pilsan, specializing in sports surfaces, with the support of Public Infrastructure and Environment Company of Castilla y León (Somacyl)which has played a key role in financing the project. The City Council has emphasized the coordinated effort between the local administration and public entities to carry out a project of this magnitude.
The mayor recalled that when the current administration took over the management of sports facilities, the condition of many of the equipment, including the football pitches, was described as “deplorable.” From there, a roadmap was developed to to update the grass on the Ramón Martínez field and the rest of the municipal fields, along with improvements to pavilions, swimming pools and other sports infrastructure.
Within that planning, the works in Cuatrovientos and Flores del Sil are already in their final phase, so, as the mayor announced, The residents of these neighborhoods will soon have renovated football fields. and in suitable playing conditions. The idea is that, by the start of the new year, all three fields included in the project will be fully operational.
Immediate use of the new turf and upcoming work on the facilities
One of the aspects that has stood out most at the inauguration is the almost immediate commissioning of the new turf at the Manolo Peña fieldThe mayor pointed out that, from the Saturday following the event, the boys and girls in the lower categories could already train and compete on the new turf, avoiding long waits and making the most of the investment made.
The improvement of the grass at the Ramón Martínez fields is part of a broader commitment to local sport, which includes the maintenance and the modernization of sports halls, indoor swimming pools, and other municipal facilities. The governing team intends to implement these projects gradually, always subject to budgetary constraints, but with the clear priority of improving conditions for sports practice.
Among the requests that the clubs themselves have conveyed to the City Council is the renovation of the field lighting systemCurrently, the streetlights use outdated technology, with tungsten lamps that consume a lot of energy and don't achieve the desired illumination levels. The councilor acknowledged this deficiency and indicated that they will explore securing specific funding to eventually switch to more efficient lighting systems.
In addition to the grass and the lighting, the council is considering future improvements to electrical installation, bleacher covers and other comfort features that will allow the Ramón Martínez fields to remain a benchmark for youth football in the city. It's not just about having a good pitch, but about ensuring the entire environment is conducive to a positive experience for players, families, and spectators alike.
Despite governing in a minority, the municipal government team wanted to emphasize that, despite the obstacles and the votes against it While political proposals may arise, they have been successfully transformed into real and visible projects on the ground. The renovation of the Ramón Martínez stadium's turf has been presented as an example of this management capability.
Impact on grassroots football and the citizens of Ponferrada
The debut of the new turf at the Ramón Martínez fields has a direct impact on the Day-to-day life of grassroots football in PonferradaThe lower categories and amateur teams that use the Manolo Peña field daily now have a safer, more homogeneous surface in accordance with modern standards, which reduces the risk of injuries and improves the quality of training.
For the families and fans who come every weekend to watch the matches, the change of turf also represents a step forward, as it guarantees a The playing field is in good condition even in rainy or cold weather.This is especially important given the area's climate. The use of state-of-the-art artificial turf simplifies maintenance and ensures consistent performance throughout the season.
The City Council insists that the replacement of the carpet is not an isolated action, but part of a larger project. medium-term strategy to improve municipal sports facilities and adapt them to current needs. The intention is for Ponferrada to continue being a regional benchmark in the provision of spaces for sports practice, both competitive and recreational.
The new turf at the Ramón Martínez field also reinforces the image of municipal fields as a social meeting place, where Children, young people and veterans live together around footballIn addition to the improvements to the playing field, there are expectations for future upgrades to lighting, stands, and other services that will make the stay more comfortable for players and the public.
The renovation of the artificial turf at the Manolo Peña field, in the Ramón Martínez fields of Ponferrada, symbolizes a new era in the management of local sports facilities: after years of wear and tear and shortcomings, the city is committed to to take care of their football fields, modernize them and bring them up to the level demanded by userswith the aim that each investment translates into more and better sport for the citizens.
