Tilsley Park was developed on 43 acres of land donated by the family of the late John Tilsley Greening.

To most people travelling on the A34, Tilsley Park is the area with bright floodlights. All the facilities are floodlit.

Currently Tilsley Park has an 8 lane running track with a grandstand for about 300 people (covered). It was opened in 1995. There are also: two astro-turf pitches for football and hockey with a grandstand for 200 (uncovered). Then come areas for tennis and netball.

Round the sides of Tilsley Park there are also places to walk near the Stert Stream, a well equipped play area….

…and a bar with hot food.

Tilsley Park is the home of a number of local clubs: hockey, football, netball and athletics. Many events are held there: competitive charity and educational (like cycling proficiency).

In weeks to come Tilsley Park will be hosting the ‘Run for the Children’ 2006 Event on 15th October. This is a chance for familes to join a national fitness program starting with a 3 KM run.

Then on 22nd October is probably the biggest sporting event of Abingdon 2006, hosted by Abingdon Ramblers, and starting and ending at Tilsley Park. It is the Abingdon Marathon – rated the 3rd favourite UK marathon by readers of Runners World. This year will be the 24th running of the marathon.

I see that the District Council budget for 2006/7 has a largish sum to improve and add to the facilities of Tilsley Park worth up to £800,000 but I don’t remember ever reading what that was all about… Perhaps we will be getting a Euro Tilsley Park. I can just imagine moving walkways bringing in the people past this sculpture.