News
HPHS takes action to reduce sports hall noise
Since it was first opened in September 2008, it was clear that there were noise issues arising from the use of the sports hall. The staff and governors at Humphrey Perkins High School are committed to making it as accessible as possible to the community as well as fully available for school use without upsetting residents who live nearby.
Following advice from an independent acoustic engineer, these measure have been put in place: 1. Rubber bobbins have been placed behind the internal rebound boards to reduce the low frequency vibrations which result from balls and bodies banging into the boards. Measurement of noise levels indicates that the bobbins have reduced this noise nuisance.
2. 5-a-side football was discontinued until the installation of the bobbins was complete.
3. The standard five-a-side footballs have been replaced with much lighter foam versions. When these hit the rebound boards, the noise is noticeably less than before.
4. A muffler has been installed on the dehumidifier.
5. Shrubs and trees have been planted between the building and the neighbouring houses and more will be planted in the autumn.
6. Acoustic net curtains will be hung inside the sports hall to dampen the high frequency vibrations that arise when people shout and scream and generally use the facilities. This should take place during the summer holidays.
It is a marvelous new resource for both the school and the community. We are all now hoping that these measures will leave us with a sports hall that can be fully enjoyed by all.