Ash Parish Council (APC) has completed the first of a series of significant upgrades at Harpers Recreation Ground, funded with the aid of S106 developer contributions. These enhancements aim to improve accessibility, safety, and enjoyment for all residents. The works were completed in December 2025.
What’s New?
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Safer Access: A new tarmac footpath now runs along the western perimeter of the recreation ground, providing a safe pedestrian route from Guildford Road and connecting key areas within the park. This is particularly important because Harpers Road itself does not have a public footpath, making this new route a vital improvement for pedestrian safety.
- Improved Drainage: A French drain and extended ditch have been installed to tackle flooding issues, ensuring the ground remains usable even in wet conditions.
- Bridge Reconstruction: Both the vehicular and pedestrian bridges have been rebuilt to maintain safe access for visitors and maintenance vehicles.
- Car Park Upgrade: The existing car park has been resurfaced and an extension added, increasing capacity for events and reducing parking pressure on nearby roads.
What’s to come?
- New Play Area: A dedicated under-5s play zone will be created in the north-eastern section of the park, featuring inclusive equipment for balance, coordination, and group play, with a rubberised safety surface.
Why It Matters
These improvements make Harpers Recreation Ground safer, more accessible, and more enjoyable for families, sports teams, and community groups. The additional parking and drainage upgrades will also help reduce inconvenience for local residents during busy periods.
Gallery of completed works to date
North section of path joining existing path
Map of works completed
View south towards car park
View Noth towards play park
Path connecting to car park
New Vehicle bridge for maintenance
New Pedestrian bridge
Resurfaced car park looking north
Accessible parking
Resurfaced car park looking south
Extention car park for use during hire
Extention car park for use during hire looking south