A NEW sports park has officially opened its doors after delays sparked by Covid-19.

The new Ganger Farm Sports Park had its ribbon cut on Saturday, November 19 with help from 369 Parkrun participants. 

Mayor of Test Valley, Councillor Alan Dowden, was joined by local councillors for a ribbon cutting ceremony, which had been delayed due to the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II in September.

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To mark the day, the local Parkrun team, which had been unable to meet since lockdown forced the closure of its previous route, launched a new 5k course at the site. 

Cllr Dowden said: “It was an absolute pleasure to officially open this new facility, which will no doubt be well used by sports clubs and residents for years to come.”

Hampshire Chronicle:

Community and leisure portfolio holder, councillor David Drew said: “Though the sports park technically opened its doors a few weeks ago, we were keen to mark the completion of the site with an official ribbon cutting ceremony, and tying this in with the first Ganger Farm Parkrun event felt like the perfect opportunity. 

“This is such a fantastic facility and it is already proving to be popular, so we hope that it will continue to go from strength to strength and become a treasured local asset.”

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The sports park includes adult and junior football pitches, as well as rugby and hockey pitches. 

The pavilion houses an exercise studio, community room, changing rooms and showers, café facilities and balconies overlooking the pitches. It is host to regular fixtures, training, the new weekly Parkrun and other indoor and outdoor clubs.