After 8 years of being closed, the Pan MUGA (Multi Use Games Area) is to re-open to the local community, particularly the youngsters, on Saturday 1st February 2025 at 10.30am.
Located on a site shared with Barton Primary School, just off Downside Recreation Ground, it’s management has been taken over from the school by Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council. The Community Council has arranged for repairs and improvements to what had become an increasingly derelict facility over the years.
Years of negotiations
Pan and Barton’s IW Councillor Geoff Brodie and neighbouring Fairlee IW Councillor Matthew Price (a governor at Barton school) have been instrumental in securing this re-opening after months, if not years, of negotiations and securing funds.
The MUGA will not only offer free access during out of school hours to the local community, but will also be bookable by local sports groups for part of the time. Bookings can be made via the Community Council.
Opening date
Councillors Brodie and Price will join Community Councillor for Pan and Barton, Joanne Ballington, to open the MUGA on 1st February 2025.
Special thanks
Councillor Brodie said,
“At last! Local kids will no longer have to scale the high fence to get into the MUGA, which was originally provided back in 2007 as a school and community facility, but closed by the school in 2017.
“My thanks to Councillor Price for his assistance in getting this re-opened, through his advocacy with the schools this is happening.
“Also, thanks to all the staff at the Community Council who have worked hard to get this outcome, including doing most of the repairs and improvements themselves.
“Councillor Ballington and I are entirely delighted that this is happening.”
News shared by Laura on behalf of Newport and Carisbrooke Community Council. Ed
