Recreation Ground (Bath) facts for kids
| The Rec | |
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| Location | Bath, Somerset |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 51°22′56″N 2°21′19″W / 51.38222°N 2.35528°W |
| Owner | The Recreation Ground Trust, Bath |
| Operator | Bath Recreation Ltd |
| Capacity | 14,500 |
| Surface | Grass |
| Opened | 1894 |
The Recreation Ground, often called the Rec, is a big open space in the middle of Bath, Somerset, England. It's right next to the River Avon. This special area is used for fun activities and sports by people living in Bath and nearby towns.
The Rec is owned by a group called The Recreation Ground Trust. They make sure the public can use this space for different recreational purposes. It's a very important place for the community in Bath.
Contents
What is The Rec?
The Recreation Ground is a large area of land that has been used for sports and recreation since 1894. It's a place where people can gather, play, and enjoy outdoor activities. The Rec is managed to provide space for many different groups and sports.
Sports and Activities
A big part of The Rec is used by Bath Rugby, a famous rugby team. During the rugby union season, their sports ground can hold up to 14,500 fans! This makes it a very exciting place to watch a game.
Rugby at The Rec
When it's rugby season, a special temporary stand is put up for fans. This stand is taken down in the summer to make more space for other sports, especially cricket.
Cricket and Other Sports
During the summer, the rugby pitch becomes a larger cricket ground. Local cricket games are played here. Somerset County Cricket Club also used this pitch until 2011.
Other parts of The Rec are used by different clubs. These include Bath Hockey Club, Bath Croquet Club, and Bath Drama Club. There's even a Bath Quidditch Club that uses the space! You can also find some tennis courts here.
Pitches are available for amateur sports like Football, Volleyball, and Lacrosse. There is a special building called a cricket pavilion near the William Street entrance. The city's Sports and Leisure Centre is also located on the southern edge of The Rec.
Flooding and the River Avon
In the past, The Rec used to flood often because it's so close to the River Avon. However, in the 1960s, a project was completed to help the river flow better. This helped reduce the flooding.
Even with these improvements, The Rec is still part of the river's floodplain. This means it can sometimes still get wet and muddy after very heavy rains.
Images for kids
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A now unused turnstile and kiosk at the William Street entrance, a Grade II listed building, built circa 1930
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Bath Sports and Leisure Centre
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Cricket pavilion on a children's cricket day
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Temporary seating
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Somerset County Cricket Club playing a Friends Provident Trophy 50-over match against Middlesex in 2009
See also
In Spanish: The Recreation Ground para niños
