Oakley Playing Fields were acquired by the Oakley Parish Council in 1947/1948. With an area of 6 acres, it was resolved from the outset to make the area an ‘Open Space’ for the community. The Village Hall was built in the 1950’s on the site by the villagers themselves and was also funded by the village. The field was soon the site of a children’s play area, Football and Cricket pitches, Tug-of-War
tournaments and has seen many community events over the years. In the last three years, the current Parish Council has promoted development of the Field and we have seen the new Children’s Play Area, the removal of old dilapidated tractor sheds and the erection of a new football shed. Last year, the Gardening Society, with the Oakley School, created the Oakley Community Orchard at the southern end of the field. The Oakley Bowling Club, working with the Parish Council and after village consultation has received the go ahead to utilise part of the south-west end of the field for an outdoor bowling green – they have already received some grants and have submitted their final grant application. And in the last few months a new path, named by the School ‘The Acorn Trail’, opened leading from the village hall car park to the school.
