Youngsters are to get an exciting new play facility at Arena Park off Beacon Lane.

A new tarmac ball games facility will be installed before the end of March.

The MUGA type facility will incorporate built in football goals, basketball posts and cricket wickets. The facility will dramatically improve the ball games facilities at the site, and funding has also been awarded to run a series of ongoing coaching programmes at the ball court.

The project is unique because such a wide range of organisations have pulled together to make the facility a reality. Exeter Parks Watch initially began working closely with the Arena Park Residents Association with the aim of improving the local park.

With the help of Exeter City Council’s Parks Department a plan for the site was developed by local residents. A key part of the process has been the involvement of local young people, known as the youth ambassadors. The ball games area was initially their idea, and their passion for it has really helped to drive the project forward.

Exeter Parks Watch were instrumental in securing the funding for the project – which was awarded via a grant by the Home Office.