Horndean Parish Council Celebrates Official Opening of the New Multi Use Games Area and Callisthenic Gym Equipment at Jubilee Park

Following a successful bid to East Hampshire District Council’s Strategic CIL funding scheme, leading to an award of £95,000, Horndean Parish Council was delighted to host the official opening of the Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) and Callisthenic Gym Equipment at Jubilee Park — a major investment in community wellbeing, accessible recreation, and inclusive activity for residents of all ages. Lead by Grounds Manager, Matt Madill, the project also encompassed the installation of a dropped kerb and wide pathway to the equipment which was funded by the Parish Council’s own Neighbourhood CIL fund. And thanks to grants from District Councillor Elaine Woodard and former County Councillor Marge Harvey, two new wheelchair accessible picnic tables are to be installed to the side of the path.

The launch event brought together Parish Councillors, Council staff, District Councillors, the County Councillor, and local families. Representatives from Play Innovations, the supplier of the new facilities, also attended and led a series of energetic games and challenges for the young people attending. Medals and prizes were awarded to the winners, adding a celebratory atmosphere to the afternoon despite the scorching weather.

Horndean Parish Council Chair, Cllr Andrew Redding said, “The new equipment has been designed with accessibility and broad appeal at its core and we are very grateful to East Hants District Council for their support with this project. The MUGA provides a versatile space suitable for a wide range of sports and informal play, while the callisthenic gym offers free-to-use fitness opportunities that encourage strength, mobility, and outdoor exercise. The additions of the pathway and accessible picnic table provide a wonderful new facility, demonstrating what can be achieved by working in partnership and supports the Parish Council’s commitment to community health and wellbeing, youth provision and inclusion.”

The ribbon was cut by EHDC Vice Chair, Cllr David Evans, who praised the project as an important step in expanding high‑quality recreational spaces across the parish, noting that Jubilee Park is now even better equipped to serve local families, young people, and adults looking to stay active.

Residents are encouraged to visit Jubilee Park, explore the new facilities, and enjoy the benefits of accessible outdoor activity.

IMAGES ATTACHED (© Horndean Parish Council):

HPC Jubilee MUGA – Official Launch

HPC Jubilee MUGA – Ribbon Cutting

(L-R – District Cllr Elaine Woodard, HPC Grounds Manager Matt Madill, HPC Chair Cllr Andy Redding, EHDC Vice Chair Cllr David Evans, Play Innovation MD Marco Boi, County Cllr Ian Young)

HPC Jubilee MUGA – Play Innovation Challenge

HPC Jubilee MUGA – Play Innovation & public members

HPC Callisthenic Gym Equipment [1] – Public member

HPC Callisthenic Gym Equipment [2]- Public member