Redenhall with
Harleston Town Council and Playinnovation were proud to see the
completion and opening of a Family Inclusive Sports Area (FISA) which
is situated on the recreation ground in Memorial Way this Christmas.
The innovative FISA, is the first of its kind in the East of England,
it incorporates a number of interactive games wall concepts including
Street Snookerâ„¢ and the first UK installation of "˜Crossbar King'
inspired by Sky's Soccer AM crossbar challenge.
The
idea for having a FISA (Family Inclusive Sports Area) came following
public consultation events held over the last twelve months and
extensive research conducted with support from Gary Howard, the Play
and Amenities Technical Manager from South Norfolk Council. The
council looked at a variety of options for Multi Use Games Areas,
however the FISA offered more options to the wider community. Whilst
it is predominantly used to play basketball or five a side football,
it has the additional benefit of encouraging families to play games
together which not only improves, fitness and co-ordination, it also
enhances children's use of their numeracy skills and personal goal
setting.
The concept of the
FISA, completely revolutionises ball courts and is brainchild of
inventor Marco Boi, founder of London based Playinnovationâ„¢. Marco
was keen to see a more innovative approach taken to encourage
families to engage in ball courts, irrelevant of their levels of
fitness and ability. The FISA is fully inclusive and the games can be
played using any shaped ball including a football, handball, tennis
ball, basketball or even rugby ball .
The project was funded
using Section 106 money, which was provided by housing developers
Persimmon Homes linked to new housing developments in the area
including the Poppies. The FISA is open and free to use by all
members of the community.
Ian Broughton, the
Chairman of the Recreation Committee said "˜The FISA is an excellent
addition to the recreation ground and we feel proud to be the front
runners in the East of England'
