A new 3G Astro pitch has opened as part of a redevelopment of Odd Down Playing Fields, and local teams and the community are now being encouraged to use it.
The new ‘third generation’ (3G) synthetic all-weather surface in Bath is capable of hosting football and rugby matches as well as other popular sports such as Lacrosse and American football.
In addition, the grass pitches are being ‘rejuvenated’ with new portable goal posts and the employment of a full time groundsman.
There will be two full size pitches plus seven junior pitches and a grass rugby pitch, as well as a new Cricket Square and three non-turf wickets.
The redevelopment of the pitches has been match-funded by the Football Foundation, Sport England and the Rugby Football Union (RFU).
The launch of the new astro turf pitches comes a year after the opening of the Council’s new Cycle Circuit at Odd Down.
A new pavilion for the playing fields is still under construction and will not open until March. It will host eight changing rooms, a café, a conference room and a cycle workshop.
The development at Odd Down Playing Fields is part of a £3 million-plus investment by the Council, Sport England, British Cycling, The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Rugby Football Union (RFU), the Football Foundation and Football Association (FA)
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), the Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “This massive investment will ensure a legacy for the whole community for generations to come.
“The Council is keen to offer more opportunities for people to enjoy increased participation in sport – particularly those who may have low levels of activity and health inequalities – and these third generation synthetic astro turf pitches will enable people to use the new facilities all year round.
“We’re grateful to all our supporters for helping us to continue upgrading the facilities at Odd Down so that everyone has the chance to get active and enjoy a healthy lifestyle – from children and families to the more competitive sports enthusiast.”
Odd Down Playing Fields will have be staffed full-time, which will enable us to open the facilities for longer, including the cycle circuit.
For general enquiries and further information on how to book please call 01225 396429 or visit www.bathnes.gov.uk/odddown.
