Histon & Impington Recreation Ground

The Rec is a community facility enjoyed by thousands each year, and one that Histon and Impington Parish Councils are rightly proud of.

The sports facilities are now used by eight clubs at different times of the year, and information on the clubs including contact details is provided elsewhere on this notice board. In addition there are other regular weekly activities detailed separately. The Recreation Ground also contains the largest childrens playground in the two villages.

The present Rec covers some 16 acres. The top half of the ground is now owned by Histon & Impington parish Councils following its purchase from Premier Brands in 2005. The bottom 8 acres of land that extended the Rec in 2000 is leased from Chivers Farms that expires in 2036. Indeed it was the Chivers Family that originally facilitated the Recreation Ground with the purchase of the site in 1921 and three years later that the Rec officially opened.

The Parish Councils took over the lease and operation of the Rec in 1967 from the then Chesterton Rural District Council, and the two Parish Councils have manage the Rec through the Recreation Ground Committee. The Committee employs a full time groundsman Steve Campin, and a part time Manager Lynda Marsh. The net annual running costs of the Rec is £70,000 which is funded by village residents through the Parish Council precept.

Following the extension of the Rec in 2000 it became evident that the Recreation Ground pavilion and other facilities were totally inadequate, and in 2002 a development project group was formed. The Group led by Neil Davies raised external funding of over £450k which together with matched funding from the Parish Councils enabled the new facilities;  a new Recreation Ground Centre, sports courts including multi use games area and enlarged car park to be completed and opened in 2006.

A key part in the project success was the part played by Friends of Histon & Impington Recreation Ground a registered charity formed in 2003 which raised over £50k in community fundraising for the project. The Friends still continue to fund raise for the rec organising community and sporting events on the Ground, and now running some weekly activities.

Much of the voluntary support the Rec receives is from a small number of committed people, and there is a real need for support to be broadened and for younger people to be get involved. Any help is appreciated such as help at the Friends of Rec events, if interested please phone Jane on 232959

The Rec Committee are committed to the further development of facilities on the Ground as we enter a new decade in 2010.

Recreation Ground Manager Lynda Marsh Tel:01223 232423 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Groundsman Steve Campin Tel:01223 233861

Recreation Ground Committee Chairman Neil Davies Tel:01223 232514