Building a Sustainable Sport, Social and Recreation Centre, Deer Park Archers Limited, Shurdington, Glos

This project is to extend the Sport, Social and Recreation facilities at Deer Park Archers.
Planning permission has been gained to extend the facilities by adding three fully accessible strategically essential areas;

• Social activity/gathering area – improving Club experience and well-being of participants, carers and volunteers (age 10/80). Supports the engagement of more volunteers.
• Purpose built ground/facility maintenance workshop/volunteer centre – delivering environmental stewardship commitments and accessible/affordable facilities.
• 50% increase in outdoor floodlit shooting bays – extending capacity and building capability.
• Install additional drainage and more solar panels.

Through the work of the volunteers and commitment to “improve the natural environment under our control and to maximise our energy efficiency” the club is transforming a landfill site, which was a weed infested bog full of invasive species, into a haven for wildlife and a pleasure for its community to enjoy. (https://deerparkarchers.co.uk/about-us/sustainability-our-environment/ ). The impact of this focus is seeing many great results; however, there is an even greater benefit – members take these experiences and values back into their communities and support even more change. The mainstream activity of archery is providing pathways for juniors and adults of all ages to participate and progress in the sport, fuelling Olympic/ Paralympic dreams and empowering the next generation.

The club supports several local charities, both through the provision of free hire for training workshops, “have-a-go” team building sessions and running fundraising on their behalf. The “Sheds Team”, which is a subgroup volunteer team undertake extensive building and ground maintenance and development work across the site, also collectively carry out work projects for local charities, including office renovations. These partners include Listening Post (counselling service to Gloucestershire citizens) and Allsorts (charity supporting families with disabled training) who currently use the facilities free of charge.