Chapel Memorial Park was established in 1921 as a place for community recreation and public walks.  It had three hard standing courts which were used for sports and recreation.  These courts have since been developed into a skate park, a play park and a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)

This year, 2024 we are in danger of losing one of the most positively used spaces in our community park as the MUGA has been part of a legal dispute relating to a noise abatement order.  

The population of Chapel is 7243, of which 1847 are children.

This would be tragic for all that currently use it and for our future generations to come who might be denied the opportunity to use the court FREE OF CHARGE, for sport and physical activity, supporting mental wellness and encouraging positive social interaction with other members of the community including intergenerational activities for everyone to enjoy.

The MUGA was built in 2010 and the funding was secured by a volunteer community group who worked to develop the park and opportunities in particular for young people. It was in response to anti social behaviour in the park that the MUGA was put in and it replaced an existing hard court that had two end fences which was already used for sports and recreation, this was the updated version.  It went through the planning process without any objections.  

As we heard at the Parish Council meeting (Thurs 15/2/24) there are two ongoing court cases brought by a neighbour to the park (all documents relating to the case are in the public domain) The details of the cases were not able to be discussed. There were about 60 members of the public attend the meeting to show support and speak about how they felt about this situation.

We need to come together as a community to save spaces created for positive activity and not allow this to happen! Chapel Memorial Park is a beautiful and safe space that has been intentionally created for anyone to use it and id free from charge, the only place in Chapel that you are able to be active for free which in the current economic climate is more important than ever!!

If we allow this to happen then we set a precedent to say, its ok to take away areas in public spaces which are valued by so many people in the community (not just young people)

A planning permission was submitted and has since been withdrawn by the Parish Council to demolish and grass over the area. They more than likely won't need permission to take it away which is why we need to be strong together and SAVE OUR MUGA!

Please do not destroy our Parks and open spaces!!!