Recreation Grounds & Pavilions

Maurice Thornton Playing Fields…

Marshfoot Lane, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 2JZ

Available for sporting and community events. Call 01323 841702 or email enquiries@hailsham-tc.gov.uk for further information.

CONTINUED IMPROVEMENTS AND INVESTMENT…

The Maurice Thornton Playing Fields have benefited from a series of targeted upgrades to improve access and facilities on site in recent years. Key developments include:

• A new vehicle access gate and crossover on Marshfoot Lane to ease site entry for maintenance and community events

• New playground features, including a team swing, a 30-metre aerial zipwire, a replacement inclusive roundabout and resurfaced safety flooring

• £31,000 in CIL-funded improvements to the Tony Tack Memorial Skate Park, including surface repairs, extensions and enhanced safety features for skaters and BMX riders

MESSAGE FROM THE ASSETS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE…

“The Maurice Thornton Playing Fields remain the base for Hailsham United Junior Football Club – supporting over 200 players – and includes junior pitches and an outdoor gym for wider public use.

The fields play a crucial role in supporting youth sport and active lifestyles. The improvements we’ve made – and those still to come – demonstrate our long-term strategy to invest in Hailsham’s recreational future.

These improvements aren’t just short-term fixes – they are strategic upgrades that will serve Hailsham residents for many years to come. We’re proud to support this vision and will continue to work hard to deliver high-quality, accessible facilities for the whole town.”

Western Road Recreation Ground…

Western Road, Hailsham, East Sussex, BN27 3DN

Available for sporting and community events. Call 01323 841702 or email enquiries@hailsham-tc.gov.uk.

CONTINUED IMPROVEMENTS AND INVESTMENT…

With the completion of extensive drainage improvement works recently, the Western Road Recreation Ground continues to thrive as a central hub for sport, leisure and community celebration. Dating back to 1855, the site today features football and cricket pitches, four all-weather tennis courts, a children’s play area and outdoor gym, a large green space (Beaconsfield) and a modern sports pavilion.

Over the years, it has become home to some of Hailsham’s oldest and most successful sports clubs, including Hailsham Cricket Club (established in 1871), Hailsham Town Football Club and Hailsham Tennis Club (established in 1905).

Recent upgrades to the ground include:

• A new all-weather perimeter path, funded by Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL), allowing year-round access for walkers, runners and cyclists

• Enhanced evening safety with new bollard and column lighting

• A major upgrade to the children’s play area, with Disability Discrimination Act-compliant equipment, new surfacing and additional seating

• Replacement and expansion of outdoor gym equipment, ensuring durability and long-term use, funded by Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funding

• The installation of a traditional beacon structure to serve as a new community landmark

MESSAGE FROM THE ASSETS MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE…

“The Western Road Recreation Ground is so much more than just a park – it is the beating heart of our community and an important part of Hailsham’s heritage. Generations of residents have grown up here learning to play, joining local clubs and taking part in sporting competitions.

It’s also a place where we come together to celebrate – whether that’s through annual events like the Hailsham Bonfire or simply gathering with neighbours for a walk, a game of tennis or a picnic on a sunny day. That sense of shared space and community connection is invaluable.

The Town Council takes enormous pride in caring for this historic site and is fully committed to ensuring that it continues to thrive as a welcoming, inclusive and high-quality environment for all. This isn’t just about maintenance – it’s about investing in community wellbeing, civic pride and quality of life.”