A VIBRANT new multi-sport facility has been officially opened in Lyme Regis.
The multi-use games area (MUGA) at Anning Road Playing Field is now open for use, and local people wasted no time in putting the facilities to the test.
Lyme Regis Town Council has invested over £100,000 in the project, which included the building of the games area on the northern side of the playing field, a new path from the playing field gate to the MUGA entrance, and the moving and levelling of the main pitch.
Cllr Michaela Ellis, chairman of the council’s Town Management and Highways Committee, performed the official opening, joined by council staff and members, representatives from Lyme Regis Pickleball Club and Lyme Regis Youth Football, and local families.
Cllr Ellis said: “It’s been a long time and a lot of hard work for the council to get this going. It’s cost us £100k and over to get it and I’m hoping it’s going to be well used.
“It came out of the community consultation we did and a lot of the children, when we went to St Michael’s, were keen for us to have this, so it’s a really great facility for the town.”
The MUGA features line markings and nets for football, basketball, netball and pickleball, but any ball sports can be played there.
Work started in early-June and was finished just as the summer holidays started.
Local teenagers played basketball, alongside pickleballers, and others using the netball hoops and football goals.
Oscar Moore, 13, said: “There’s more space and it’s multi-use.”
Zander Mullins, 13, said: “There are so many options, it’s pretty cool.”
Mark Duerden, chairman of Lyme Regis Youth Football, welcomed the opening of the MUGA for the benefit of the whole town.
He said: “I know that the kids have been excited to be getting more basketball facilities, it seems to be a really popular sport at the moment, and especially because it has single-rim hoops apparently.
“I think it’s a real benefit for the young people of this town, and the older generation. It’s up to them to look after it.”
Graham Smith, from Lyme Regis Pickleball Club, said: “When I heard about the proposed MUGA at Anning Road I was pleased by the prospect of the local community having access to basketball, netball and five-a-side facilities which would be playable in all weathers.
“Heavily involved as I am with the local Lyme Regis Pickleball Club I was also excited about the prospect of the club being able to play on an outdoor all-weather surface.
“Such a facility had not existed in the town and this should provide a further space for the club, and those interested in this fast growing sport, to play.”
Anyone interested in playing pickleball can contact Graham Smith on 07768 610643.