Last Thursday (25 August) the new Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) on the Gorse Ride playing field (behind the FBC Centre) was officially opened by Wokingham Borough Deputy Mayor Cllr Rob Stanton.
The MUGA has been built thanks to £176,000 funding from Wokingham Borough Council (most of this money is from Section106 funding – paid to the council by developers) and £20,000 from Finchampstead Parish Council as well as some other community funding.
The MUGA includes a 185m circuit for health walks and cycling and has been designed to help people of all ages and abilities to be active and stay fit. As well as the large multi-sport court, there are two mini-courts for families with younger children, a mini-tennis zone, rebound panels for practicing sport, multiple basketball/netball hoops, three ping-pong tables, a board games table and picnic tables and seating.
Cllr Rob Stanton, Wokingham Borough Deputy Mayor, said: "It was a great pleasure to officially open the new MUGA in Finchampstead that has been a collaborative effort between the borough council, parish council, the FBC Centre, Thames Valley Police and the local NAG (Neighbourhood Action Group).
"At a time when Great Britain has been so successful in Rio it’s fantastic that Finchampstead is getting this amazing new facility to bring opportunities for all sorts of sporting activities for local residents. In addition, the health benefits of even just moderate exercise can bring people should be applauded and I hope young and old will find something in the MUGA to try out."
Finchampstead Parish Council vice chairman Cllr Geoff Markham said: "We are delighted to have been able to be part of such a great project, and now to see the MUGA officially opened and available for the people of Finchampstead to use and enjoy – we encourage all residents to come along and see this wonderful new facility."
To mark the official opening of the MUGA teams from across the council were on hand to inspire young people and show them some of the sports that can be played on the facility, as well cycling based activities including bike checks and puncture repair sessions.
More photos of the official opening can be found on the council's Facebook page.
