Boundary Park’s tennis and games area officially opened by local MP

Hundreds of keen sports players can enjoy new facilities on Great Western Park after they were officially opened recently by David Johnston MP. 

The local MP cut the ribbon to the new tennis courts and multi-use games area (MUGA) and even had time for a quick game of tennis. 

The fenced courts are fitted with eco-friendly LED lighting, which allows local groups and sport games enthusiasts to use it all year round. The MUGA is the official home to Didcot Netball Club, and it is also used by several local youth football teams for winter training as well as informal play. 

The four tennis courts, two netball courts and MUGA were built for existing and new residents living nearby. The facilities are owned by Vale of White Horse District Council, which last year agreed to lease the sports area to the Boundary Park Sports Association (BPSA). 

Since the BPSA started to use the facilities, almost 300 households have joined Boundary Park Tennis, which gives the users access to the courts for an annual fee of just £40. The National Tennis Association coaching programme has also proven popular with additional sessions added to help with the high demand. 

Mr Johnston was joined by Cllr Jerry Avery, Vice Chair of the Vale of White Horse District Council, Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne, a local district councillor, and Paul Costello, Chair of BPSA. 

Paul Costello, Chair of the board of trustees at BPSA, said: “The addition of the tennis courts and MUGA have allowed Boundary Park to expand the offering of sports to the residents of Great Western Park and beyond. Locally, the facilities are some of the best around and we look forward to even more people using them as we move into Spring”. 

Cllr Jerry Avery, Vice Chair of Vale of White Horse District Council, said: “It’s important that community facilities are built on new developments for everyone living nearby to use and enjoy. The courts and games area are already a great success and will continue to help residents to continue to lead an active and healthy lifestyle.”   

Cllr Hayleigh Gascoigne, district council ward member for Harwell, said “We’re delighted that the tennis courts and games area are open and that BPSA are offering the opportunity for everyone to access. Living virtually next door to the site, I see local residents using the facilities throughout the day and into the evening, which is brilliant!”