New games facility opens in Penpont

Jan 29 2010 by Julie Watt, Dumfries Standard Friday

PENPONT youngsters have been taking advantage of their new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) after it was officially opened by Councillor Gill Dykes on Sunday.

It marked the end of a two-year project by the community council, who were delighted to see the all weather game area open at Gladstone Park.

Locals including councillors, sponsors and community council members were entertained by two teams of youngsters who played the first game of football on the new pitch.

Chairman of Penpont Community Council, Ian Crosbie, said the facility, which is the only community-run MUGA in Dumfries and Galloway, is first class.

He said: “The facility was officially opened by Councillor Gill Dykes who has provided invaluable assistance to the community council in ensuring that the MUGA plans came to fruition.

“Although the first official game on the MUGA will be football it should be noted that this is a multi use facility and other games, including tennis, can be played on the sports surface by all age groups.

“The community council would have liked to provide the facility free of charge but maintenance and upkeep costs require a small fee to be charged for its use.

“The community council would like to say a big thank you to all of the organisations who have been so generous in supporting the project.”