New outdoor facilities in Maple Cross receive funding

A new play area, tennis courts and an outdoor gym are among the improvements set to be installed at a Maple Cross playing field thanks to funding from Three Rivers District Council and a grant from the HS2 Community and Environment Fund (CEF).

The refurbished and new facilities at the Three Rivers District Council-owned Denham Way Playing Fields include the installation of the brand-new play area, a skate park and three new floodlit tennis courts to support a community tennis club Get Set 4 Tennis.

Plans also include an outdoor gym, a refurbished pavilion to provide a community space, a multi-use games area, pathways, a seasonal pond and further conservation and biodiversity improvements, which will enhance the trees recently planted as part of the Queens Green Canopy project.

Cllr Chris Lloyd, the council’s Lead Member for Leisure, said: “Access to high quality open spaces and opportunities for sport and recreation has never been more important and this funding will help transform Denham Way Playing Fields for local residents. I’m looking forward to seeing the new facilities and the benefits these will bring.”

The project has been funded by £433,750 from the district council through Community Infrastructure Levy contributions and a £75,000 grant from HS2’s CEF. The CEF has been created by HS2 to add benefit to communities along the route that are demonstrably disrupted by the construction of Phase One of HS2 from London to West Midlands.

Maddelyn Sutton, Head of Community Engagement for Phase One South of HS2, said: “The new plans for the Denham Way Playing Fields will deliver facilities that will serve all generations and I’m glad that the HS2 Community & Environment Fund (CEF) is providing a vital funding boost to another worthwhile local project. My team works closely with local residents across Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire and Greater London and we will continue to encourage any community groups impacted by the construction of HS2 to apply for funding through the scheme.”

Construction work on the new facilities began in December with work taking place in phases up until the spring.

Notes to editors:

PHOTO: Lead Member for Leisure Cllr Chris Lloyd and Council Leader Cllr Sarah Nelmes.