Following years of hard work and fundraising the community of Langport was delighted to see the opening ribbon cut on an exciting new £130,000 Multi Use Games Area on Easter Sunday.
The Multi Use Games Area (MUGA), which includes floodlit facilities and markings for a full size netball court, five-a-side football pitch, two tennis courts, cricket practice and a basketball court, has been led by Langport & Huish Memorial Field Management Committee together with the support of South Somerset District Council’s Play & Youth Facilities Team.
The MUGA will provide a free, open access sport and leisure facility which will benefit future generations in and around Langport and Huish Episcopi.
There was a poignant side to the day with the attendance Paddy Mounter’s family. Paddy Mounter was the former Chairman of the MUGA Steering Group, who sadly died while taking this project forward. His granddaughter Kitty had the starring role of cutting the ribbon to officially open the new games area.
Only a matter of days before Paddy lost his battle with cancer he handed the reins over to Julie Worthing who became the new Chair of the MUGA Steering Group. With the support of Simon Martin (Chairman of Langport & Huish Sports and Social Club) and Frank Pengelly, Julie carried the torch on behalf of Paddy and went on to deliver this first class sports facility right in the heart of the Langport and Huish Episcopi community.
Julie Worthing said, “It was very emotional on the day of the opening. There were so many people who came to see Kitty cut the ribbon. I would like to thank everyone for their huge support for this project.”
Frank Pengelly, Chairman of Langport & Huish Memorial Field Management Committee, said, “I would like to thank Adrian Moore – the SSDC Play & Youth Facilities Officer, Simon Williams and Darren Afflek of Play UK, Flood Lighting Limited and HAGS SMP. I would also like to thank Louise Treacher for her ability to find extra funding for the project and Gary Slade for his role as Clerk of Works.”
Mr Pengelly added, “I am very pleased with this superb new facility which has been made possible following an all-round community fund raising effort. There is already a big demand from the community wanting to make use of the new MUGA.”
Simon Martin said, “It has been a long hard two years but with everyone working so hard together we have achieved this great facility. It is already incredibly popular and is in use throughout the day and regularly in the evenings.”
Cllr Sylvia Seal, Portfolio Holder for Leisure and Culture at South Somerset District Council said, “I must congratulate everyone involved in bringing this exciting project to completion.
The floodlit MUGA will be an asset to Langport which both contributes towards our Young People strategy and helps to drive up participation in sport and physical activity.”