Spending an initial £500,000 improving facilities at Whittignton Park, N19, has seen the successful introduction of a new artificial football pitch.
At an official opening last week (18 September) pupils from Yerbury School joined Islington's Mayor, Jyoti Vaja to mark the occasion.
The replacement of the old 'redgra' pitch was completed in time for a summer programme of free activities. The new pitch is made of tough 'Tiger Turf' - a slightly more compact surface that allows a wider variety of recreational sports to be played on it, such as hockey and cricket as well as football. New lighting and fencing was also erected.
Cllr George Allan, Executive Member for Customer Focus said:
"The new pitch is the first part of a two-phase upgrade of sports facilities - next, we are improving the changing accommodation.
We've had extensive community support from the outset particularly from The Friends of Whittington Park and the Whittington Park Community Association.
The pitch has already proven to be a popular resource for schools as well as for junior and adult bookings. It's just one of many recent park sports projects to encourage residents to make the most of our open spaces and get healthy, too."
Notes:
The pitch can be booked through Aquaterra Leisure.
Islington Council's partners include The Football Foundation, Islington Football development Partnership, park user groups.
The Islington Football Development Partnership (funded by Islington Council, Aquaterra and Arsenal Football Club) has organised a comprehensive football development programme for the local community.
Anyone wanting further information regarding the new football sessions that will be running on the pitch should contact Michael MacNeill (Football Development Manager) on 020 7686 8810 or michael.macneill@aquaterra.org
Ends
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008