Bridgwater TC Press Release

Bridgwater Town Council will begin work in March 2026 on a new pétanque terrain in Victoria Park. The project is being funded by Bridgwater Pétanque Club and the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Community Fund, which was established by EDF and is managed by Somerset Community Foundation to support community initiatives and wellbeing across Somerset.

Breaking ground on the new pétanque facility marks an exciting step in expanding the park’s already diverse recreational offer. Victoria Park is a well‑used community space, home to a multi‑use games area (MUGA), outdoor gym, skateboard ramp, children’s play area and the long‑established Victoria Park Bowling Club.

Pétanque, often known in the UK simply as “boules”, is a sociable and accessible sport suitable for all ages and abilities. The game is typically played on hard gravel or dirt surfaces, making it ideal for public parks and community spaces.

Pétanque is a fun, low‑cost activity that brings people together. It is recognised for being easy to learn, inclusive for all ages and a great way to encourage social interaction and gentle physical activity.

The new 15m X 14 m terrain is being constructed by the Town Council’s own workforce, with materials and financial support provided by the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Community Fund and Bridgwater Pétanque Club.

The new terrain will provide a high‑quality, purpose‑built space for casual players, families and local groups to enjoy the game. As interest in pétanque continues to rise nationally, the new installation is expected to become a popular addition to Victoria Park.

Cllr Tim Mander, Chair of the Amenities Committee at Bridgwater Town Council said,

“We are delighted to bring this new facility to Victoria Park. Thanks to the generous support of the HPC Community Fund and Somerset Community Foundation, and the hard work and dedication of our own council workforce, we are able to offer another inclusive and enjoyable activity for residents.

“The new pétanque terrain will help encourage outdoor activity and create new opportunities for social engagement within the park.”

Michael Wheatley, Chair of Bridgwater PétanqueClub said,

““It’s incredible to see how far this idea has come since those early days of Covid, when we were simply looking for a safe way to bring Bridgwater’s twinning groups together.

“With our links to La Ciotat – the birthplace of pétanque – organising a small outdoor competition felt like the perfect solution, even if we had to play on grass at the time. The enthusiasm from those first events sparked a real desire to create something more permanent for the town.

“Thanks to the dedication of local pétanque enthusiasts, the support of the Bower Inn and a successful grant application with Bridgwater Town Council to the Somerset Community Foundation, we now have a purpose‑built terrain in Victoria Park. This new facility will allow the club to grow, welcome new members, and strengthen our international ties, including our trip later this year to play in La Ciotat itself.”

The terrain is set to be completed in the coming weeks, with an official opening event planned for later in the spring.

Posted on: February 27, 2026