Everyone was smiling when they went to try out the new ball-courts in Prestwick
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Young people in Prestwick will be able to play outside all year round thanks to two outdoor facilities, one at the Oval and one at Ardfin Road. These have been created as part of Sainsbury's commitment to make a positive difference to the community living and working in the area of their new store in Prestwick.
South Ayrshire Council has used a financial contribution of £187,000 from Sainsbury's, who will open their new store in Prestwick on 14 July, to help transform a ball-court at the Oval. Once a tired tarred area it now has a state of the art all-weather 3G artificial grass surface and is bright and fun to look at.
Ardfin Road has a completely new kickabout area with basketball hoops and goals, so that children and others can run around and use their imagination to take part in healthy outdoor activities.
Councillor Margaret Toner, Economic Development, Tourism and Leisure Portfolio Holder said: "The ball-court at the Oval and Ardfin Road are superb, whatever the weather children will be able to get outside and get involved in healthy exercise with their friends. It is important that young people are active with these ball-courts being open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, with no charge to use them, they simply turn up and have fun.
"I would like to thank everyone who has been involved in this project, particularly Sainsbury's who have generously contributed towards the cost. The Council working with them has improved existing facilities and created new ones that people in Prestwick can enjoy."
Children from St Ninians and Glenburn Primary Schools joined with Councillor Toner, local councillors, representatives from Sainsbury's and others to celebrate the completion of the ball-court at the Oval.
At the Ardfin Road ball-court guests were greeted by pupils from Kingcase Primary School who had great fun trying out the facility.
Councillor Peter Convery, Sustainability and the Environment Portfolio Holder said: "The design of the ball-courts means that they fit well into their environment providing a sustainable and exciting play area for young people. I am sure that they will encourage many young people to get out from behind their computers and have fun outdoors."
Marc Watson, Manager of the new Sainsbury's store in Prestwick said: "It is fantastic to be involved again in such a worthwhile event. We are wanting to ensure the people of Prestwick and indeed the whole of Ayrshire know that we will be heavily involved in the local community. We have donated hampers and Active Kids equipment to schools and charities, and have already booked in 19 bag packs for schools, charities and sports teams from across Ayrshire. Its great to be such a big part of the town before we even open."