Fenland District Council is looking to create two more multi-sports pitches in the district – and would like your help to shape the plans and support its funding bids.
The Council is working with the Football Foundation – the Premier League, The FA and the Government’s charity – on proposals for new PlayZones at West End Park in March and Wisbech Park.
The plans form the next phase of Fenland’s PlayZone programme, following the successful first tranche which created PlayZones at Barton Road in Wisbech and Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey. Those facilities are due to open for general use shortly.
The Council has now launched two new surveys to help demonstrate demand for the facilities.
PlayZones are safe, inclusive and accessible outdoor facilities designed to support recreational football and other sports such as netball, cricket and basketball. Similar to multi-use games areas (MUGAs), they are enclosed, floodlit and support community use through a managed booking system.
Results from the new surveys will help support the Council’s funding application to the Football Foundation and inform decisions on the design, playing surfaces and sporting uses of the proposed facilities.
The district’s PlayZone programme is one of a number of projects being delivered through the Council’s Fenland Inspire! campaign, which aims to enhance sports, leisure and heritage facilities and encourage healthy and active communities across Fenland.
Cllr Chris Seaton, Fenland District Council’s Cabinet member for Fenland Inspire!, said: “We’ve already seen strong support for the PlayZone programme through the facilities being delivered at Barton Road in Wisbech and Manor Leisure Centre in Whittlesey. We’re now excited to be exploring opportunities for two more facilities in Fenland.
“These surveys are an important part of the process. They will help us demonstrate local demand, understand how people would like to use the facilities and ensure any PlayZones delivered genuinely meet the needs of their communities.
“I’d encourage anyone with an interest in sport, physical activity or improving opportunities for local people to take a few minutes to complete the survey and have their say.”
The proposed locations are:
- West End Park, March – a new 20m x 30m PlayZone near the existing play area, close to George Campbell Leisure Centre.
- Wisbech Park, Wisbech – a new 20m x 30m PlayZone within the park grounds, behind the pavilion and next to the existing basketball area.
Anyone with an interest in the proposed new pitches can complete the surveys at: www.fenland.gov.uk/PlayZonesSurvey
Paper copies are also available on request from activefenlandbookings@fenland.gov.uk
People have until 23:59 on Wednesday 25 November to complete the survey.
Results of the surveys will help shape the funding application put forward to the Football Foundation, as well as the playing surfaces and sporting uses proposed for the facilities.
The PlayZones will be subject to the usual planning rules and will only go ahead if required planning permission is secured.