Plans to revamp and extend a basketball court at the Forest Recreation Ground in Nottingham have been submitted to the city council to encourage more people to get into sport.
Sports Labs Ltd, on behalf of Nottingham Forest in the Community, applied to Nottingham City Council on Thursday (January 30) to revamp the site at the Forest Recreation Ground.
The updates come as part of the PlayZone Programme by the Football Foundation, which aims to tackle inequalities in accessing sport by providing funding to update community facilities.
The scheme’s priority groups are those from lower socio-economic backgrounds, women and girls, disabled people, those with long-term health conditions, and people from ethnically diverse communities.
The proposals involve upgrading the existing basketball court at the recreation ground into a PlayZone, along with new benches for spectators, goals created within the fences, and four basketball hoops for casual play.
PlayZones are inclusive sports facilities available for community use all year round.
The size of the space is also proposed to be extended from 23.5 metres by 14 metres to 30 metres by 20 metres.
According to planning papers, the surrounding neighbourhood does not have nearby access to sports facilities similar to the one proposed, with documents stating: “This facility will be made available to local clubs and community groups who would otherwise have nowhere to socialise and interact.”
Papers state that the existing facilities have become “tired and unused”, and the revamp, along with four new floodlights, will allow for year-round use, even during winter months.
If approved, it is hoped the facility will encourage and increase physical activity, mainly through football but also other sports.
Evening and weekend use would also be available for local clubs and community groups.
The proposed opening hours for the pitch are between 9 am and 10 pm, Monday to Sunday.
The Football Foundation’s Local Football Facilities Plan highlights Nottingham’s need for more sports facilities.
Its report shows the city requires nine artificial pitches, 58 natural grass pitches, seven changing spaces, and six small-sided facilities.
Papers state: “This development would help towards providing a high-quality small-sided facility, in addition to providing a space that is made available for community use.”
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