THE new OCRA Pavilion in the Park which will improve sporting opportunities for residents of Okehampton opens this Saturday (February 8) with a jam packed day of activities for the community.

The pavilion in Simmons Park is 'the crown jewel' in a vast 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 site will now offer access to over 35 different sports.

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.

During the celebratory opening day, youth hockey will run for Years 5, 6 and 7 from 9.30am to 10.30am, while Years 8, 9, 10 and 11 can play from 10.30am to 11.30am. Youth tennis runs from 10am to 11am for four to seven year olds, and from 11am to noon for children aged seven and upwards. Equipment will be provided for both sessions.

Children and adults alike can bounce on the trampolines from 10.30am to 11.30am. Tennis courts will be available from noon for adults and children.

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

Those wishing to try their hand at fencing can take part from 11am to 11.45am. There will also be adult hockey and football, and youth football running throughout the day. The Six Nations rugby on the big screen starts at 2pm.

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]