Key Points
- Witney Leys mini golf closes temporarily.
- Kiosk and skatepark also affected now.
- Construction delays prompt facility shutdown.
- Timetable shared via social media posts.
- Community recompense includes free evenings.
Witney (Oxford Daily News) February 21, 2026 – Courtside at The Leys, the popular multi-activity hub in Witney, Oxfordshire, has announced a temporary closure of its mini golf course, kiosk, and skatepark to facilitate ongoing construction works as part of a major redevelopment project. The decision, detailed in recent social media updates from the operator, comes amid persistent delays in the project timeline, now extending into 2026, affecting local families and youth who rely on these facilities for recreation. This closure is positioned as a necessary step to ensure health and safety while completing enhancements that promise to transform The Leys into a premier destination park.
What is causing the temporary closure?
The temporary closure stems from unavoidable construction requirements at Courtside at The Leys, where steel structures and grounds work are nearing completion but have faced repeated delays.
As posted by Courtside at The Leys on Facebook, “Temporary Closure of Mini Golf, Kiosk, and Skate Park on The Leys. Please swipe to find out more details, including the timetable of events.”
This announcement highlights the need to prioritise safety during the final phases of building the community hub.
Councillor Thomas Ashby, in his Facebook post, noted further delays by the operator, stating ” Another delay by Courtside at The Leys, but the end is now in sight.”
He emphasised that while frustrating, the closure is part of pushing towards project completion. Witney Town Council documents confirm proactive efforts by Courtside and the principal contractor to keep the skatepark open as long as possible, including during weeks when no construction occurred.
Earlier precedents, such as the 2025 skatepark closure for nine weeks from May 12, were also due to health and safety concerns related to padel court works, with Courtside apologising for the disruption and pausing work on Fridays to allow weekend access.
“We are genuinely disappointed that closure of the skate park is necessary for health and safety reasons,” the operator stated on their website.
These patterns indicate a recurring theme of construction-driven shutdowns at the site.
When will the facilities reopen?
A specific timetable for the 2026 closure has been shared via Courtside’s social media, though exact dates beyond the announcement on February 17, 2026, remain tied to weather and construction progress.
The Instagram post from Courtside at The Leys mentioned weather-related closures, such as “Due to today’s weather, mini golf will be closed for the day. Keep an eye on our socials for updates we’re just waiting for the weather to putt back on its sunnies.”
This underscores ongoing monitoring for reopenings.
Witney Town Council reports from mid-2025 projected completion in late summer or autumn, but recent councillor updates suggest slippage into early 2026. Cllr Ashby’s post implies the end is near, potentially aligning with final fit-outs for the hub, new skatepark, renovated splashpad, and play areas. Historical data from a May 2025 closure showed phased reopenings, with full access on weekends and half-term weeks, offering a model for the current situation.
The council’s July 2025 report noted Courtside arranging community activities during closures, keeping optimism for a swift return. Provisional dates point to post-maintenance reopening, similar to scheduled works mentioned in related Instagram updates for February 5-6, though not directly tied. Residents are advised to follow @courtsidetheleys on Instagram for real-time updates.
How has the community responded?
Local reactions mix frustration with understanding, given the long-awaited benefits of the redevelopment.
Cllr Thomas Ashby captured this sentiment: “Another delay by Courtside at The Leys, but the end is now in sight.”
His post, shared on Facebook, reflects community patience wearing thin yet hopeful for the outcome. Courtside has mitigated impacts by making mini-golf free during evenings when the skatepark closes, as per Witney Town Council documents.
“Courtside have also made the Mini-Golf free to use for community during the evenings when the Skatepark is closed. In addition, Courtside has arranged skateboard/scooter,” the report detailed, noting efforts to recompense users.
This approach echoes past measures, like opening the skatepark on Fridays after work pauses.
Parkrun representatives at council meetings expressed disappointment over related delays but appreciated support, indicating broader community engagement. Witney’s wheeled sports enthusiasts previously welcomed plans for ramps, curbs, boxes, and rails, funded by a £57,975 grant, showing enthusiasm for upgrades despite temporary pain. Cllr Dr Ruth Smith, Leader of Witney Town Council, celebrated progress: “It’s gratifying to see our vision for this vital community facility moving closer to reality. We are extremely grateful for the funding FCC Communities Foundation has given us and we’re looking forward to opening to the public.”
What improvements are planned post-closure?
The closure paves the way for a transformed Courtside Hub at The Leys, establishing it as a destination park with a new skatepark, mini-golf enhancements, renovated splashpad, and excellent play areas. Witney Town Council updates describe steel structures being erected and grounds work completed, with regular contractor progress reports. Financially, the council’s £250,000 contribution is phased by milestones, alongside lease renegotiations.
The all-wheeled sports park, already underway with new features opening in March 2024, exemplifies the vision. Local skaters praised the redesigned layout, with council committing to TikTok and social updates. Broader impacts include addressing anti-social behaviour through better lighting and facilities at nearby parks like Ralegh Crescent.
Courtside’s website apologised for past disruptions but highlighted the hub’s role in offering activities for all.
“We thank you for your ongoing support and patience as we take another step closer to finishing your community hub which will offer activities and events for all to enjoy.”
Completion will integrate with Witney’s recreational landscape, boosting local socioeconomic trends in urban development.
Why have there been repeated delays?
Delays at Courtside at The Leys trace back to construction complexities, weather, and logistical challenges, pushing timelines from early summer 2025 to 2026. Councillor Ashby’s recent post flags “another delay”, signalling ongoing issues despite nearing the end. Council documents from March 2025 noted steel erection underway but provisional dates slipping.
A July 2025 report lamented the skatepark closure as “disappointing and unavoidable, despite Officers efforts to explore alternative options for park to remain open.” Similar sentiments prevailed in 2025’s nine-week shutdown, blamed on padel court proximity. Witney Town Council maintains close contact with Courtside, providing support to update residents.
External factors, like poor weather impacting parkrun at adjacent sites, compound issues, with £30,000 budgeted for improvements yet insufficient alone. Procurement for related parks relies on S106 funds, requiring partnerships with West Oxfordshire District Council (WODC). These delays mirror regional frustrations, as seen in MP Robert Courts’ letter on stalled Windrush Place developments, where “there is yet to be any further progress made,” exacerbating limbo for residents.
What is the role of Witney Town Council?
Witney Town Council oversees the project, contributing £250,000 phased by milestones and advocating for community access. Reports praise Courtside’s proactivity in keeping facilities open where possible. Officers arrange onsite meetings, like with parkrun, and push for updates.
Cllr Dr Ruth Smith heralded wheeled sports park progress, thanking funders.
“We’re looking forward to opening to the public.”
The council explores alternatives, renegotiates leases, and uses social media for transparency. Parks and Recreation Committee minutes note adjournments for sensitive items and resident representations.
Financial prudence segments funds, with robust contracts for S106-reliant projects. Recommendations seek feedback, positioning the council as a mediator balancing development and resident needs. This neutral stance ensures the Leys evolves without unauthorised access issues, like vehicle barriers.
How does this fit into Witney’s urban development?
The Leys redevelopment aligns with Witney’s push for enhanced urban recreation amid housing and socioeconomic pressures. It addresses anti-social behaviour via covered, lit areas and positions the park as a hub post-hub completion. Nearby Eynsham notes slip-road closures till May 2026 for critical works, reflecting regional infrastructure strains.
Onehunga parallels highlight redevelopment risks to mini-golf, but Witney’s inclusion promises integration. Council’s vision counters poor weather impacts on events like parkrun, budgeting for path fixes. Politically, it ties to local issues, with Cllr Ashby and MP Courts voicing delays’ toll.
Long-term, it boosts Witney’s appeal, drawing visitors to splashpad, play areas, and activities, supporting policy goals in urban planning.
What alternatives are available during closure?
Courtside offers recompense like free mini-golf evenings and skateboard sessions. Skatepark stayed open weekdays sans construction, mirroring 2025 pauses for Fridays/weekends. Socials urge monitoring for pop-up events.
Adjacent West Witney Sports Ground hosts parkrun with council aid for drainage. Ralegh Crescent upgrades combat anti-social issues. TikTok keeps wheeled enthusiasts informed.
Who is responsible for the project?
Courtside operates the hub, with Witney Town Council partnering via funds and oversight. Principal contractor handles builds, proactive on access. Cllr Ashby monitors politically. Leader Cllr Smith champions.
Closures disrupt local spending at kiosk/mini-golf, but enhancements promise tourism boost. Council’s £250k investment phases risks. S106 reliance underscores partnerships. Delays frustrate, yet destination status aids economy.
