Witley Point MUGA

Following discussions with Children’s Services, local schools and community groups, council officers developed proposals for a range of improvements to the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) and surrounding area at Witley Point. These included new goals, a new surface, new fencing, new paths, improved planting and shrubbery, lighting (subject to planning approval), children’s play and other equipment.

Engagement

Engagement sessions were held with groups of young people at the Roehampton Youth Club (Alton Estate), the Chelsea Kicks community football group (Ashburton Estate) and at Heathmere School with pupils from Year 6. 

Each group was asked to discuss the proposals and to make recommendations to improve the designs. Concerns were raised about the current lack of lighting and young people said that this made the place feel “dark and scary”, particularly in the evenings during the winter months. They also suggested incorporating more sports and play including a variety of colours and pitch markings, climbing boulders and trampolines. Furthermore, they suggested ways to make the site accessible to different age groups including young children and adults, by introducing better paving, secure bike racks and better signage. Groups were also asked to build a model of what they would like to see using polystyrene, modelling clay and card.

A consultation also took place on the MUGA with local residents. Attendees echoed many of the points which had already been made, and in addition suggested amenities for younger children and higher fencing to contain ball games.

Refurbished MUGA facilities

On 16 October 2020, Cllr Jane Cooper, the Mayor of Wandsworth, opened the refurbished MUGA. Children from Heathmere School were invited to a socially-distanced opening event where they were able to try out the new facilities, and take part in activities including mural painting on the graffiti wall, daffodil planting in the surrounding woodland area and the construction of a bug hotel to encourage wildlife.

The new facilities include:

• Pedestrian improvements including new paths, fencing, signage and cycle racks. This improves access to and through the area
  
• A new seating area for spectators along the MUGA and a new welcome area at the entrance to the MUGA with feature paving, bins and notice boards
  
• A new running track which incorporates existing obstacles such as trees, as well as rocks and other obstacles to create opportunities for informal play
  
• New planting including trees and shrubs within the existing wooded areas and climbers along the new fencing
  
• New play equipment, including a resurfaced pitch, slides, climbing walls and a trampoline.