Naval Air Station playing field area.

And it will be ready for the public to make use of over this holiday weekend.

At a press conference held yesterday, acting Youth Development Minister the Hon. Wayne Furbert said the ministry was "very happy to take the facility over''.

He added that although the public will be able to use the front area of the former Base, there will be a control point to stop wanderers from going further on to the property, which is prohibited.

Mr. Furbert stated that the Kindley playing fields policy was that the grounds were available to the general public from one half hour after sunrise to one half hour before sunset.

"Initially, the areas provided will be prepared for little league baseball and softball at the eastern and western ends of the area, and one or two pitches will be provided between these two areas for football,'' Mr. Furbert said.

He added that the open field area may be utilised for other sport/recreational events, as will other parts of the field as demand dictates.

"The playing of golf, horseback riding and other games or usages that may render damage to the surface will not be allowed,'' Mr. Furbert said.

And he stated that the use of the area as an impromptu speedway or scrambling track is prohibited and may result in prosecution.

Mr. Furbert added: "Individuals and groups of up to ten may utilise the grounds for small games etc. without formality, provided there are no bona-fide ministry bookings for that period.

"However, in order to ensure a sense of order, and to avoid disappointment, all usages of the grounds should be pre-booked with the ministry of Youth Development Sport and Recreation.'' Mr. Furbert also said the Ministry reserved the right to deny usage to any group or individual and the grounds were to be left in a "leave it as you find it'' basis. Users are expected to collect trash after use and deposit it in the containers provided.

A concession area is available and specific requests for its use will be considered on the merits of each applicant.

He added that a contest will later be held to determine the best name for the new playing fields.

"Bathrooms are located at the western end of the fields and parking bays will be marked. Entry to the playing fields is restricted to cycles, cars, and light vans. Buses will be provided access in relation to the booking for a specific event.''