Tilehurst Parish Council opens new fitness and social area at Cotswold recreation ground

Published: 22 December 2023

Tilehurst Parish Council is pleased to announce that the new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), outdoor gym equipment, leisure area and children’s cycling track at Cotswold recreation ground in Tilehurst, Reading are now open for use.

The new area has been installed in response to a survey of young people conducted by the Parish Council in 2021. A popular suggestion was that outdoor gym equipment be installed at recreation grounds and, on consideration, the Parish Council felt this would be a good way to repurpose the existing, run-down tarmacked base at Cotswold recreation ground.

The project was funded by a grant from West Berkshire Council which was matched by the Parish Council. In July 2023, the contract for the work was awarded to Koolplay Ltd, who have been fully involved in the design and installation processes.

Local residents and existing users of the recreation ground were consulted at various stages, and feedback from residents led to the inclusion of a marked-out track where parents can safely teach their children to cycle.

Ribbon cutting by Parish Councillor Clive Taylor

The official opening on Thursday 21 December 2023 was attended by District Councillor Janine Lewis, Executive Portfolio Holder for Public Health, Culture, Leisure, Sport and Countryside, Parish Councillor Theresa Downes, Vice Chairman of Tilehurst Parish Council, Jacky Major, Clerk to Tilehurst Parish Council, June Felix of Koolplay Ltd, and Parish Councillor Clive Taylor, Chairman of Tilehurst Parish Council, who cut the ribbon at the entrance to the MUGA to open the new area to the public.

Project lead, Parish Councillor Theresa Downes, commented, “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”.

Tilehurst Parish Council intends holding a larger event to mark the occasion in spring/summer 2024 when the weather is warmer and drier.