Tilehurst Parish Council opens new multi-use games area

A parish council has opened a new fitness and social area.

Tilehurst Parish Council has opened a new multi-use games area at Cotswold Recreation Ground.

Parish councillors officially opened the new area on Thursday, December 21 — and it is now open for community use.

The new area features outdoor gym equipment, a leisure area and a children’s cycling track.

Project lead and Tilehurst parish councillor, Theresa Downes, said: “After the long process of planning and design, it has been very exciting to watch the new equipment being installed over the past few weeks.

“Our thanks go to Koolplay for keeping the project on schedule despite some bad weather, and also to residents and recreation ground users for their patience and support particularly while the work was carried out.

“We are delighted the new areas are now open and hope they are enjoyed by all ages for many years.”

The new area was installed by popular demand following a survey of young people conducted by the parish council in 2021.

Parish councillors agreed this was a good way to repurpose the previous run-down tarmacked base and contracted Koolplay Ltd to design and install the equipment in July.

The council consulted residents and existing users at various stages and included a marked-out track for parents to teach their children to cycle based on resident feedback.

The project was funded with a grant from West Berkshire Council, which was matched by the parish council.

The parish council plans to hold a larger event to mark the occasion in Spring 2024 once the weather is warmer and drier.