A fantastic new free sports facility for Lewes
On the Saturday 14 December 2025, local residents joined fundraisers, elected members and Lewes Pétanque Club, to celebrate the launch of a new, free-to-use, 'pétanque piste' for the town.
In 2022 local resident, Tom Davies and a friend were discussing whether the game they both loved was called boule or pétanque. They realised there wasn't anywhere in Lewes to play the game, and an idea was formed to set up a club to raise the funds to build one.
The Lewes Pétanque Club approached Lewes District Council for support and together they identified a suitable location and fundraising began.
Three years on, the money for construction was secured through crowdfunding from local residents, East Sussex County Council's 'Building Stronger Communities' Fund, Lewes District Council and Lewes Town Council Community Infrastructure Levy funding, and match funding and support in kind from Lewes District Council.
The result is a high quality, free-to-use, open-to-all community asset.
Tom Davies, Chair of Lewes Pétanque Club, said:
"It's incredible to see this pipedream turn into reality. We were inspired by family holidays in France and wanted to bring the enjoyment of this simple, healthy and accessible pleasure back to Lewes.
"We're delighted the people of Lewes can now enjoy a game whenever they want."
Councillor Johnny Denis, Cabinet Member for Arts, Culture and Tourism and Leisure at Lewes District Council said:
"We are committed to supporting diverse recreational opportunities for our residents and are delighted to have played a part in making the idea of Lewes's first ever pétanque piste become a reality.
"This fantastic new facility is free-to-use and I encourage people to come along and enjoy a game - it a great addition to our town.
"Thank you to Lewes Pétanque Club and all those who donated through the crowdfunder."
Dr Julie Barnett and Dr Allen Foundry Social Prescribing Leads, added:
"Pétanque is a great way to get more active, more social and get outside."
To find out more about Lewes Pétanque Club, visit www.lewespetanqueclub.org
More ways to receive our news
- Keep me posted. Sign up to receive news and alerts from Lewes council by email
- Read District News - our council newspaper
- Our Social media
Share this page
