Chieveley Multi Use Games Area Open

Chieveley  celebrated the opening of their new multi-play games area in July 2010.

Through the Parish Plan consultation the old tennis court area was identified as in need of refurbishment. This led to discussion and planning between the Parish Council, Chieveley Village Hall & Recreational Centre Committee (landowners) and their club/group representatives. A project vision was agreed using feedback from the Parish Plan ‘Have your say days’ and after meeting a positive response, particularly at the last Parish Plan consultation event in Chieveley, was progressed to the next stage.

The project has involved re-tarmacing the whole of the old tennis court area and the installation on part of it of a new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA). The MUGA offers a number of sporting activity options for the community including five a side football, tennis, basketball and netball. Also integrated cricket wickets for the keen cricket fans wishing to practise their bowling skills. The MUGA will operate on a first come first served basis.

Funding for the project has come from S106 developer contributions for public open space improvements generated by local housing developments in the area, a youth fund from the Parish Council of £4,000, Cllr Cole successfully secured a member capital bid of £30,000 and £390 from West Berkshire Council’s Healthy and Active Parishes Fund.

A small amount of the Parish precept will be used annually to ensure the appropriate maintenance is planned and carried out and to ensure the future of the MUGA.

At the same time as the refurbishment project the Tennis Club and Recreational Centre carried out resurfacing works to the adjacent car park.

Chieveley Recreational Centre has excellent sporting facilities servicing all ages with the MUGA, Tennis Club courts, a children’s play area, sports ground and new cricket club facilities. Together they give better sporting opportunities for all ages, particularly the young people in the village.

The activity afternoon was supported by Chieveley Parish Council, Chieveley Recreational Centre, The Dominoes Partnership, Berkshire Association of Clubs for Young People (BACYP) and Atlantis Media Ltd.

Activities at the opening included a children’s 5 a side football tournament organised by BACYP, a mobile skate park provided by Atlantis Media Ltd for the youth to show off their skills, and a smoothie bike from the Dominoes Partnership.