Work begins on new PlayZone in King George V Park
As part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of Stevenage becoming a New Town, work has begun on a new PlayZone at King George V Park, thanks to a grant from the Football Foundation, the FA’s charitable arm.
Football Foundation PlayZones are third-generation artificial pitches designed with local communities. They are primarily for football but can also be used for a variety of other sports. The facility will be available year-round, whatever the weather, with floodlights allowing play after dark.
The PlayZone is being built on part of a disused tennis court and will be the first of its kind in Hertfordshire. The location was chosen following extensive consultation with residents, clubs, groups and other local partners.
Teams from across the council have worked with the Football Foundation and Herts FA to deliver the new facility.
The PlayZone will be available to hire at low rates for residents, local clubs and community groups.
Stevenage Borough Councillor Myla Arceno, Cabinet Member for Culture, Leisure and Wellbeing, said:
“I am delighted that Stevenage is the first place in Hertfordshire to have a PlayZone and I am thankful to the Football Foundation for its funding and partnership on the facility.
“This investment will provide opportunities for football and other outdoor activities at an affordable cost, all year round and after dark, so more people can benefit from leisure and physical activity. We look forward to the completion of the PlayZone in November 2026.”
Robert Sullivan, Chief Executive of the Football Foundation, said:
“When it comes to tackling the greatest inequalities to becoming active, the Football Foundation knows a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach doesn’t work. That’s why community engagement is at the heart of our PlayZones programme.
“As with all PlayZones, the new facility at King George V Park has been shaped by the local community in Stevenage, who will be able to get active in a way that suits them.
“Thanks to the funding we receive from our partners – the Premier League, The FA and Government – the Foundation will be delivering over 200 PlayZones like this one across the country.”
Stevenage Borough Council is calling for expressions of interest from the community to use the site once it opens. If you or your organisation would like to use the PlayZone, please register your interest using the link below. Demand is expected to be high, so please register today.
To find out more about PlayZones visit the Football Foundation PlayZones website.