OKEHAMPTON'S new Pavilion in the Park is to have its official opening this weekend, with a jam- packed day of activities for the community to come and enjoy.

The pavilion in Simmons Park, situated adjacent to the college's all weather pitches, provides facilities for the whole community, acting as a recreational hub for sport, arts, music, dance, disasbled groups, training and education courses, drama, and events and conferences.

The building will also be home to OCRA, who deliver and help develop activity and health initiatives across West Devon.

The hub has been used for activities and sports groups since OCRA received the keys to the building last September, but the building will receive its official opening on Saturday, February 8.

BBC Radio Devon's Matt Woodley will carry out the official cutting of the ribbon at 11.45am.

Over the course of the day from 9.30am, people can participate in and watch a range of sports, view a diverse art exhibition with works by five Dartmoor artists, take in the views and enjoy food and drink, and also watch some of the Six Nations rugby on the pavilion's big screen.

Also being re-opened on the day is Okehampton Squash and Racketball Club, offering a chance for children and adults to play and receive coaching from 11.50am. England Squash have organised a top level exhibition match for the reopened facilities at 10.45am.

OCRA manager Stuart Lord said: 'OCRA's vision is about delivering and working with local groups and individuals to create a sustainable vibrant recreational scene for all.

'This greatly improves Okehampton and surrounding areas as a place to live, work, play and visit.

'The Pavilion in the Park offers a real wow factor and a home to an eclectic range of facilities, clubs, activities, and events as well as being a great venue to hire.

'It also offers new ways for pay and play squash, racketball and tennis.

'Thanks to everyone that has been involved in this community project, most notably our trustees, Oxenham Consult, local clubs and everyone that has said "yes" in so many ways to help the project come to fruition.'

The pavilion is the jewel in the crown of a major project launched eight years ago, responding to local need by attempting to improve sports facilities in Okehampton and for the wider West Devon community.

The project has delivered the multisport all-weather pitches at Okehampton College for hockey, football, netball and rugby, plus greatly improved facilities for cricket, tennis, gymnastics, skating, trampolining, squash and grass pitch sports.

The catalyst for the project was £600,000 of investment from Devon County Council through its Investing in Devon project in 2008.

The bid was backed by county councillors Christine Marsh and James McInnes, and the grant also supported the all weather pitch which opened in November 2009.

The site will now offer access to more than 35 different sports. When fully completed, the pavilion will have cost £720,000.

There have been a number of donations to support the project, including a £200,000 grant from Okehampton United Charity, and £50,000 from Sport England donated from the Inspired Facilities fund, which is part of the £135 million Places People Play legacy programme linked to the 2012 London Olympics.

The England Hockey Foundation donated £50,000, while Devon Renaissance gave a grant of £40,000. A raft of local groups have also supported the project.

To find out more about the pavilion, call OCRA on 01837 54546, visit http://www.pavilioninthepark.co.uk">www.pavilioninthepark.co.uk or e-mail [email protected]">[email protected]