Much-anticipated refurbishment works at South Oxhey playing fields begin
Ground has been broken to officially kick start the much-anticipated improvement and refurbishment works at the South Oxhey playing fields.
Residents will see very soon a brand-new multi-use games area (MUGA), a dog training agility course, table tennis tables, and chess. The plans also see the existing tennis court and skatepark refurbished.
The MUGA will replace the existing five-a-side football pitch and the dog agility course will be the first council-built and free-to-use facility of its kind.
Three River District Council’s contractor The School Renovation Company Ltd broke the first ground on Tuesday (May 30) and is expected to complete a majority of the project by the end of July, in time for them to be opened for the main school holidays.
All the paths are also to be refurbished and are due to be completed by mid-August, with a rolling heras fence compound so that users can still access the newly completed playing fields.
Planning permission was granted on 18 May following a consultation process with residents on what they wanted to see at the playing fields.
The works will cost nearly £470,000 but will be funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy, which is money charged to developers to deliver infrastructure projects required by the council and local communities.
The council was also successful in receiving £51,667 from the Lawn Tennis Association, which is the governing body of tennis in Great Britain, to support the tennis court refurbishment works.
Cllr Chris Lloyd, Lead Member for Leisure, said: “It’s incredibly exciting for the South Oxhey playing field to be transformed into a refurbished community and social hub for families and residents to stay healthy, active, and play in this amazing green open space.
“The facilities have been in a state of disrepair for some time. I am glad the council has listened to residents via consultation to make the facilities attractive for the people.
“Not only will the residents stay active and healthy, but our four-legged furry friends will also get to enjoy the first-of-its-kind dog agility course in the district.
“I very much look forward for the revamped playing field to be completed – just in time for the school holidays for all the children to enjoy and have fun!”