OKEHAMPTON Primary School has completed its major project to build an all-weather pitch and recently welcomed local residents to explore the new facility.

Spirits were high as visitors gathered at the school to witness the grand opening of the new pitch, which after months of planning and weeks of building, took place last Friday (September 23).

The new fenced pitch, which was built during the summer holidays, is a 3G (third generation) sports pitch, which has long plastic grass and rubber crumbs. This type of pitch is not only more safe, but also more practical due to the fact it caters for all sports and can be used any time of the year.

In addition to the pitch, the school also has a brand new building this term complete with an environmentally friendly classroom. The classroom features a co2 reader which allows pupils to monitor their carbon emissions, as well as learn how to save energy and help the environment.

The school has also started working on a new amphitheatre as well as an environmental area for the children. The amphitheatre will be an outdoor rounded seating area complete with a raised grass stage. The environmetal area will include a pond, wildlife and a variety of trees, plants and flowers. These areas will give students the chance to get out of the classroom, learn about nature and get creative as well as partake in fun drama and arts activities.

Headteacher Hazel Fox said: ‘The new all-weather pitch will really help to support sporting activities. As a school we really want to create more opportunities for children to get involved with sports. We want to give children to the chance to engage with lots of activities and be fit and healthy.

‘There were concerns that our new classroom would take up some of the children’s playground space. However, the new pitch ensures that no playground space has been lost.

‘The school has already opened the pitch to the Okehampton Children’s Rugby Club and is interested in opening for other local clubs. We want to provide all children in the local community the chance to get involved with sports and activities. It is a fabulous facility for the school as well as an enhancement for the town.’

The school’s pitch will be utilised by Socrates — a group of gifted and talented children from the various primary schools in Okehampton and the surrounding area. The group will be able to use the facility to enhance their existing sporting talents.

When asked about what the pupils thought of the new pitch, Mrs Fox said: ‘The response from the children has been really positive. They seem excited by it and I am sure they will enjoy the multi skills sports day we will be holding on the all-weather pitch very soon!’