South Oxhey Playing Fields: £470,000 revamp begins

Builders broke ground for the first time on Tuesday, May 30, for the project which will include a new multi-use games area (MUGA), dog training agility course, table tennis tables and chess area.

The MUGA will replace the five-a-side pitch and the dog course will be the first free council-built facility of its kind, according to Three River District Council.

The majority of the project is expected to be finished by the end of July, in time to be opened for the main school holidays.

Three River District Council’s contractor The School Renovation Company Ltd started work on May 30. (Image: Three River District Council)

Plans, which were officially approved on May 18, also include refurbishing the existing tennis court and skatepark.

The council received £51,667 from the Lawn Tennis Association, which is the governing body of tennis in Great Britain, to support the tennis court refurbishment works.

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Councillor 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."

The skatepark is also be refurbished. (Image: Three Rivers District Council)

Cllr Lloyd said: “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!”

He added: “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.”

Cllr Chris Lloyd (Image: Three Rivers District Council)

The work has been funded by the Community Infrastructure Levy – money which is charged to developers to deliver infrastructure projects required by the council and local communities.

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.