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Purpose meets performance at HC Cranendonck
At Edel Grass, we believe the future of sport lies in smarter surfaces. Ones that respect both the game and the environment. This project at HC Cranendonck is a perfect embodiment of that vision. A bold step away from traditional water-based hockey towards a climate-adaptive, sustainable solution that doesn’t compromise on performance.
A smart, dry hockey pitch debuts in Cranendonck
In close collaboration with main contractor Finovi and Newae as the consulting partner towards the municipality of Cranendonck, we worked closely to deliver a next-generation hockey pitch at Sportpark De Romrijten in Maarheeze.
The project, delivered and officially opened in September 2025, centred around the installation of our Edel Aero 14-28 Dry-to-Play™ system. A dry hockey pitch designed to eliminate the need for constant irrigation while maintaining elite-level playability. The project wasn’t just another field replacement. It was part of the broader national innovation procedure driven by organisations such as NOC*NSF, KNHB and VSG, to transition Dutch hockey away from water-intensive systems. The “why” is clear: reduce water consumption, improve sustainability, and future-proof sports infrastructure against climate pressures.
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A system designed to think ahead
The Edel Aero system installed at HC Cranendonck is built on a specialised sub-base using natural lava-stone materials. The system integrates a closed-loop water storage and regeneration system developed by Finovi. Instead of water draining away into the soil, it is captured, stored, and reused elsewhere within the sports park.
At the heart of this system lies a 1,000-litre water retention reservoir, enabling efficient buffering and reuse of water exactly when and where it’s needed. This creates a climate-adaptive ecosystem, where water becomes a managed resource rather than a consumable one. To ensure transparency and control, the system includes monitoring via an app, allowing stakeholders to track water usage and performance in real time.
Built through true collaboration
What made this project particularly strong was the integrated ‘building team’ approach. Finovi led the construction with precision and innovation, while Newae ensured that processes from tender (EMVI) to execution, were in line with HC Cranendonck and municipality requirements.
We worked closely with all parties, informing, advising and aligning technical expertise with practical execution. The result is a seamless integration of surface, substructure, and water management. Something that can only be achieved when every stakeholder understands the bigger picture.
First in the Netherlands
HC Cranendonck made history as the first club in the Netherlands to install a full-size Edel Aero Dry-to-Play™ system. Importantly, this innovation didn’t just perform on paper. As part of the official innovation procedure, players rated the pitch with an overall 8+ score in an user-experience survey. That’s not just a milestone. It’s a signal and a strong validation that sustainability and playability go hand in hand and that clubs, municipalities, and governing bodies are ready to embrace smarter solutions.
True benefits
- For the players;
The pitch delivers consistent, high-quality performance without the dependency on water, ensuring more reliable play in all conditions. - For the club and municipality;
It drastically reduces water consumption and operational costs, while contributing to broader sustainability goals. - And for the community;
A future-ready sports facility that respects natural resources, supports youth development, and sets an example for others to follow.
“At Edel Grass, we don’t just develop and produce systems for pitches pitches. We innovate to truly help build the future of sport. And in Cranendonck, that future is already in play.”
More info on dry hockey?
Gijs Peters
Product manager Product innovation
Frank Herbrink
Head marketing & communications PR & Marketing