Leeds Playing Field is an important recreational and community facility serving Leeds village and the surrounding area.

The Playing Field is located at the end of Lower Street and the beginning of Upper Street, with the entrance opposite The Abbotts and close to Forge Lane, marked by the Leeds Village sign.

The site provides facilities for football, tennis, basketball and children's play, together with a sports pavilion, parking and access to woodland walks.

Football

The Playing Field has a full-size football pitch together with a separate practice goal area.

The pitch is used for organised league football and is the home ground for Loose Lions Football Club, which plays league matches at Leeds Playing Field during the football season.

The football pitch is available to hire for Saturday and Sunday league matches, subject to availability, and includes sheltered areas for team managers and supporters.

Clubs interested in hiring the pitch for a season or individual fixtures should contact Leeds Parish Council.

Children's Play Area

A dedicated fenced children's play area is located within the Playing Field and includes a range of play equipment, including:

• swings;
• climbing equipment;
• a slide; and
• a roundabout.

The play area was installed in 2019 following an investment of £13,000 by Leeds Parish Council, together with a further £10,000 contribution from Maidstone Borough Council.

The Parish Council arranges for the play area and equipment to be regularly inspected and maintained.

If you notice any damage or defects, please report them to the Parish Clerk.

Tennis Courts & Basketball

The Playing Field has a fenced outdoor sports area containing two tennis courts and a basketball practice area.

Access to the tennis courts is currently available through a key scheme operated via The George Inn in Leeds village, with a refundable deposit payable for the key.

Please check the current arrangements before visiting if you require access to the courts.

Pavilion

Leeds Playing Field has its own sports pavilion, which is served by electricity and gas.

Facilities include:

• male and female changing rooms;
• shower facilities;
• a central meeting/activity area; and
• kitchen facilities.

The Pavilion is also the venue for the monthly meetings of Leeds Parish Council.

Pavilion & Playing Field Hire

The Pavilion and Playing Field are available for hire by members of the local community, clubs and organisations for appropriate sporting, recreational and community activities.

For information about availability, hire charges or conditions of hire, please contact the Parish Clerk.

Community Events

Leeds Playing Field is an important gathering place for the village as well as a sporting facility.

Leeds Parish Council holds an annual community event at the Playing Field, bringing residents together for a community day and activities.

Details of forthcoming events are published on the Parish Council website and through the Council's usual communication channels.

Parking

A limited amount of off-street parking is available at the Playing Field.

Visitors are asked to park considerately and to avoid obstructing access to the Playing Field or neighbouring properties.

Woodland Walks & Local History

Alongside the Playing Field are woodland areas which provide opportunities for walking and exploring the historic landscape surrounding Leeds village.

Through the woodland and adjoining land are remains associated with Abbey Farm and the former Augustinian priory at Leeds.

The priory was dissolved during the Dissolution of the Monasteries under King Henry VIII. Remnants of the historic landscape remain in the area, including the great lake and the ruins of its dovecote.

The area provides an interesting link between the recreational facilities enjoyed by the community today and the long history of Leeds village.

Contact & Hire Enquiries

To enquire about:

• hiring the football pitch;
• hiring the Pavilion or Playing Field;
• use of the facilities;
• reporting damage or maintenance issues; or
• any other Playing Field enquiry,

please contact:

Leeds Parish Council
Parish Clerk
Email: [email protected]
Telephone: 01634 867173

Visitors are asked to respect the facilities and surrounding area and to help us keep Leeds Playing Field a clean, safe and welcoming community space for everyone.