MEMBERS of Shinfield Parish Council and its community braved the rain for the official opening of a new sports facility.
The ribbon was cut by Cllr Ian Clarke, chair of Shinfield Parish Council’s recreation and amenities committee, at Spencers Wood Recreation Ground’s multi-use games area (MUGA) on Wednesday night, almost nine months since work started on the facility in October 2022.
The all-weather tarmac space cost £110,000 and is suitable for sports such as football, basketball, mini-tennis and cycling.
Cllr Clarke said: “It’s been a long time coming, but very much worth waiting for. We’ve already seen that it’s already being used a lot by a wide range of people.
“Youngsters from the next-door pre-school come out here and practise their bike skills with their teacher, you’ll see at least 15 here on a weekday. The age range of users goes all the way up to youth and adults.
A trackway has also been laid to allow wheelchair users access to the games area.
Schools, individuals and community groups have already started using the facility, including the Spencers Wood youth club.
Group member Frankie said: “It’s absolutely amazing. We’ve played football there so many times.”
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The club’s leader Rachel Walker added: “It’s honestly changed the dynamic of the group. There’s been far less trouble and fewer arguments because they’re now preoccupied, they’ve got somewhere to be.”
The facility will complement the park outdoor gym equipment, which was moved last year, and also the parish’s leisure and recreation provision.
Shinfield Parish Council is currently conducting improvements to its Millworth Lane pitches, hoping to accommodate news sports, with the traditional football and cricket moving to new venues.
Cllr Clarke hopes the new provision will enhance residents’ fitness, health and well-being.
Residents voiced a desire for more sport and recreation facilities at public meetings in 2018 while putting forward ideas for improvements in the area.
