03 November 2023
All Government of Jersey sports centres and facilities will remain closed to the public today, Friday 3 November.
Assessments took place throughout the day yesterday (Thursday 2 November). A summary of some of the key findings is below:
FB Fields: This area suffered the most damage of Government sport facilities. Trees, perimeter and ball-stop fencing, and athletic equipment have suffered significant damage. There has also been damage to changing rooms. The table tennis centre is the most significantly damaged building (structurally). We anticipate it will take time to make this site safe and usable again, so until this is achieved then FB Fields will remain closed. Clubs and hirers will be informed.
Springfield: There is damage to the bike shelter. Multiple trees are down in the park. We envisage that Springfield park will remain closed until the trees are made safe. We ask members of the public to stay away until such time as the park is tidied up. A decision will be made today as to the opening of the gym possibly on Saturday. Active card members are being kept up to date.
Les Quennevais Sports Centre and Playing Fields: There is minor roof damage to the Sports Centre. Other buildings across the site have significant damage and there are trees down around the park and in the playground area. We ask members of the public to stay away until such time as this is tidied up. A decision will be made today as to the opening of the gym and pool possibly on Saturday 4 November. Active card members are being kept up to date.
Grainville Playing Fields: A number of trees are down. The site is closed and we ask members of the public to stay away until such time as this is tidied up.
Airport Playing Fields: Rugby goals and fencing have been damaged.
We are waiting an assessment of Oakfield Sports Centre.
We envisage that Haute Valle Pool and 3G pitch, and Langford Sports Centre, will be back open on Saturday 4 November. Clubs and hirers will be informed once a final decision is made.
Deputy Lucy Stephenson, Assistant Minister for Infrastructure, said: "Sports facilities across the Island, both those run by the government and private enterprises, have been badly affected by the storm and I expect this will have an impact on sport in Jersey for some time.
"To see such damage is, of course, incredibly difficult and I know it will be devastating for many of our sports clubs and associations who call these facilities their home. For some, recovery is not going to be quick or easy. I have reached out to a number of those impacted already and will continue to do so, while officers are doing their best to keep all users of government-run facilities up to date and informed.
"I am grateful to all those working to make our sites safe at this time. Safety is our number one priority and I urge everybody to stay away from the government-run sports facilities while they remain closed and the full extent of the damage is assessed."
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