Mount Noddy Recreation Ground Officially Reopens Following Major Transformation

Mount Noddy Recreation Ground has officially reopened following a major programme of improvements by Mid Sussex District Council, creating a more welcoming, accessible and enjoyable space for the East Grinstead community.

The official opening was led by the Chairman of Mid Sussex District Council, Councillor Mike Kennedy CBE, who was joined by Cabinet Member Councillor Chris Hobbs, council officers and project partners for a tour of the completed recreation ground.

The improvements form part of the wider Mid Sussex Parks Masterplan. Developed through extensive community engagement, the masterplan focused on three guiding themes: Sense of Community, Extending Play Provision and Improved Facilities. It was also informed by the principles of Make Space for Girls, looking beyond traditional sports provision to create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for teenage girls as well as boys.

Blakedown Landscapes delivered the new youth zone, enhanced play area, central plaza, pavilion improvements, improved sports pitch drainage, planting and landscaping as part of the transformation, creating a recreation ground that better supports health, wellbeing and community life.

Speaking at the opening, Councillor Mike Kennedy CBE said: "Mount Noddy has long been an important part of community life in East Grinstead, and we are pleased to officially open the new facilities following the completion of this exciting programme of improvements."

Councillor Chris Hobbs, Cabinet Member for Leisure and Customer Services, added: "Our parks play an important role in supporting health, wellbeing and community life, which is why investing in these spaces is so important. The improvements at Mount Noddy have helped modernise the site while respecting what local people value most about it. The result is a more welcoming and accessible space that offers something for everyone, from young children and teenagers to families, sports clubs and the wider community."

Chris Wellbelove, Managing Director of Blakedown Landscapes, said: "Projects like Mount Noddy are a great example of what Blakedown is about. We enjoy taking a well-developed landscape vision and delivering it to the standard the client, designers and local community expect. Seeing the recreation ground officially open and already being enjoyed is a rewarding milestone for everyone involved."