AN exciting and innovative vision for the sporting future of Okehampton was outlined at a special meeting last week. Okehampton Community Recreation Association (OCRA) hosted the meeting in the Octagon Theatre at Okehampton College. It was an attempt to drum up regional and national support for their vision. The meeting highlighted the healthy state of sport in Okehampton and surrounding areas but drew attention to the need to develop this and improve sporting facilities in the town — including a new all-weather pitch. Stuart Lord, activity development manager for OCRA, outlined a vision for the Ockment Valley which could potentially see all sports in Okehampton operating out of one central hub. Mr Lord said: 'We've got a fantastic set up already in Okehampton with a lot of people doing a lot of good things. 'But the town is growing and we need to respond to that with all sports clubs working together as a whole to benefit all of the community. 'By keeping sport in one place, kids could be playing football at the same time as their parents play a game of tennis, have a nice area to watch, enjoy the fantastic walking opportunities or take part in a huge range of activities that would all be in the same place.' Mr Lord highlighted the 'desperate need' for a new all-weather pitch as being paramount to OCRA's vision. He said: 'The replacement of the all-weather pitch is fundamental to Okehampton sport. It's used by all the sport clubs in the town, the college and by OCRA for multi-sport activities. 'It's eighteen years old now and begining to show signs of extreme wear — it needs replacing.' Okehampton Town Council has pledged financial support while OCRA will be looking to West Devon Borough Council, Devon County Council and Sport England for further contributions. The development of the Ockment Valley into a sporting hub would see the creation of more community grass pitches, the develoment of cricket and athletics, walking and fitness trails, spectacle and resting areas, a third-generation training area and a sand area for training and beach volleyball. The 'icing on the cake' would be a state-of-the- art club building, designed by architectual consultant Peter Woodgate, to 'harmonise' with the environment and the valley's surroundings. The proposed site for the building will be adjacent to the all-weather pitch and the tennis courts. The design offers panoramic views from all sides of the building and will offer facilities for all types of sport and recreation — see artist's impressions, page 3. Mr Lord said: 'It's about sporting facilities first then bringing the building in through them. This will allow Okehampton to host sporting events from across the South West. 'There are phenomenal opportunities for sport in Okehampton. We can create a hugely positive and popular image for the town. 'Okehampton can be an active town "brand" and through this we can encourage tourism and bring more people into the town.' Mr Woodgate added: 'This vision is designed to take in the whole spectrum of the community and bring young and old together. 'If we look at this with determination and co- operation, working as a community, we can make quality of life better, not just for now, but for future generations.' Representatives from Sport England, Active Devon, West Devon Borough Council, Devon County Council, Okehampton Town Council, Okehampton College and a range of sports clubs were at the meeting.
