John Pears Recreation Ground and Tennis Courts

Wall Hill Road
Ashurst Wood
Post code for Sat Nav RH19 3TQ

John Pears Recreation Ground is on land that was once used as rugby and football pitches by The Abbey School. After the school closed in 1969, the land was purchased by the Pears family, who lived in Ashurst Wood. In March 1974, Molly Pears gave the land to East Grinstead Urban District Council for the benefit of residents of East Grinstead (Ashurst Wood was part of East Grinstead parish at the time). When that Council was absorbed into Mid Sussex District Council (MSDC) in September 1974, the land passed to the new Council.

Molly Pears provided further finance in 1982 towards the construction of a pavilion. MSDC provided tennis courts in 1982.

The Ashurst Wood Community Association managed the pavilion and tennis courts, paying rent to MSDC, until late 2000.
Ashurst Wood Village Council now manages the facilities at John Pears on behalf of MSDC, under a Management Agreement dated 17th May 2005.

The pavilion was burnt down in an arson attack in 2003 and was rebuilt in 2005. The new pavilion was officially opened by the then Vice-Chairman of MSDC, Mrs Margaret Hersey, on 2nd June 2005.

In 2016, the Village Council arranged for the installation of a Playinnovation street snooker games wall on land adjacent to the tennis courts. Grant funding was obtained from the Big Lottery Fund, West Sussex County Council, MSDC(section 106 monies). Support was also provided by the Ashurst Wood Community Tennis Club, the Ashurst Wood Youth Club and the Stoolball Club. The Village Council maintains the wall and arranged for the base to be levelled and relaid in 2023.

In 2018, the Village Council worked with some of the young people in the village and MSDC on a proposal to improve the basketball play area. MSDC funded and organised the work, resulting in a practice area where mini-matches can also be played. Village blacksmith, Eric Lamprell, supplied the new posts.

In 2022, the Village Council paid for the provision of Proludic outdoor gym equipment next to the street snooker Wall and tennis courts.

The Village Council has also provided a defibrillator which is on the outside wall of the Pavilion.

In September 2020, MSDC invested in the upgrade of the children's play area.

John Pears Pavilion is available for private hire by individuals, groups or businesses. The Village Council handles bookings for the Pavilion and field.
Enquiries should be made at the office on 01342 823770 or email clerk@ashurstwood-vc.gov.uk
Hire fees for are set by Mid Sussex District Council – click MSDC hire charges

If you wish to organise any group activity or sports training etc in the field, you will require permission and may be required to make a formal booking.

Please note that BBQs are not permitted without permission.
The field is there for the enjoyment of all residents and we ask park users and Pavilion hirers to be considerate and ensure that they do not cause danger or disturbance to nearby residents and other park users.

Tennis court bookings must be made online using the Clubspark system. Information about using the system is on the link below.

Before booking a court for the first time, you need to register with Clubspark.
This is for both members of the Ashurst Wood Community Tennis Club and for casual bookings.
Tennis Club members can book up to 4 weeks in advance, while casual bookings can be made up to 2 weeks ahead.
You will receive the code to open the gate in your confirmation email.

Join the Ashurst Wood Community Tennis Club and play for free - see information about the club below.

Membership of Ashurst Wood Community Tennis Club allows free access to the courts throughout the year (subject to booking).
The Club encourages a friendly environment with tennis opportunities for all levels.

Members are entitled to free membership of British Tennis.

The membership year runs from the 1st April 2023 to 31st March 2024. Membership is £60 for a household or £35 for an individual.
The membership application form is below.