SIMMONS Park has often been referred to as Okehampton's most valuable asset. So the siting of a leisure centre slap in the middle of it was always going to be controversial.
Perhaps, but not necessarily, the original concept could justify this massive intrusion. The attractions of a new swimming pool, sports hall, squash courts, fitness suite and a comfortable first floor lounge with catering facility for all users of Simmons Park, were to many sporting people irresistible. Alas, but predictably, the lottery proved to be just that — with only a one in 20 chance of success for the first time applicants our dream was apparently too ambitious for a town the size of Okehampton.
West Devon Borough Council, together with its partners in the project, Okehampton Town Council, Devon County Council and the community group, OCRA, acting for the users, worked very hard to present a legitimate case to the Lottery for these facilities.
WDBC, having met with lottery officials in London, are now inclined to resubmit a plan less ambitious, catering only for a swimming pool, sports hall and fitness suite.
The proposed site is the same, taking out the town tennis courts, putting green and park pavilion. No guarantees can be made for the continuous provision of these lost facilities.
Surely, under these circumstances, and particularly with the ramifications to Simmons Park as a whole, the matter should be discussed fully and frankly with the people of Okehampton, even if this means delaying or even losing lottery support.
Unfortunately West Devon Borough Council is in no mood to listen or consult with anybody. Either fall in line with the hastily redrawn plans, or be the cause of Okehampton losing everything, is the mantra. Well, so be it. But there are perhaps alternatives. There is a swimming pool, why move it? Either repair it or build a new one. What is wrong with the existing site?
With the potential for vast savings on revenue costs it is surely in the interests, and the responsibility, of WDBC to put this particular house in order. The present sports hall needs further upgrading, but has proved perfectly adequate for accommodating a range of activities over a number of years. Who has noticed that it is nine inches too short?
The present fitness room is too small and needs enlarging — it could be done. The well-used tennis courts could be resurfaced and floodlit.
And, what of the much maligned park pavilion? Situated in the middle of the park in the last year or two it has never been busier — it is a most valuable facility reflecting the Edwardian origins of the park. Do we really want this replaced with pool-side vending machines? Sympathetic renovation would transform it.
Sadly, none of this would apparently meet the criteria of the London-based Lottery Board so we must fall in line and, in my opinion, ruin Simmons Park. Little will be achieved except a dramatic increase in costs to users to feed the profit-hungry purse of the contractor employed by WDBC to run the new facilities.
Jerry Stephens
Moorcroft
Sticklepath