The Public Playing Field and Recreation Ground Trust was set up 29 October 1963, standard registration by the then clerk, for a piece of land know as Riverside Recreation Ground and playing field. The sole trustee is the Parish Council and the Governing Document says by a Charity Commission Deed dated 26 August 1971, Sedlescombe Parish Council became the sole trustee of land extending to about 1.8 acres, situated adjoining the River Brede.

The land shall be held by the Council upon trust for the provision and maintenance of a recreation ground or playing field for the benefit of the inhabitants of Sedlescombe and the neighbourhood without distinction of sex or of political, religious or other opinions. The Council may provide, or assist in the provision of, on the trust property, such facilities for physical exercise and training, lectures, classes and other forms of recreation and leisure-time occupation have the object of improving the conditions of life for the said inhabitants as the Council shall from time to time think fit.

The Council may from time to time permit the trust property or any part thereof to be used otherwise than for the said purposes at such reasonable rent and upon such terms as may be agreed but so as not substantially to interfere with its use for the said purposes. Any income remaining after expenses should be used either in maintenance, upkeep and insurance of the trust property and the payment of rates, taxes and other expenses in connection with its use or in otherwise furthering the said purposes.

The Sedlescombe Public Playing Field and Recreation Ground Trust delegated, on the 8th May 2007, management and control of the playing field and recreation ground, including the tennis courts, to Sedlescombe Parish Council. The management to include grass-cutting, litter collection, maintenance of play equipment, maintenance of tennis courts, maintenance of all fences and gates, maintenance of all signs, emptying of dog bins, maintenance of trees and inspection of playgrounds including an annual professional inspection in accordance with a Management Agreement. All work to be subsidised out of the Parish Council’s own statutory funds.

Rennovation of the Playground.

In the spring of 2022 work started on removing equipment on the playground that was no longer fit for purpose, the playground reopened in July 2022 with some newly installed equipment. A small, dedicated fundraising team worked tirelessly to raise almost £50k, this included a Rother Community Grant of £30k. Beverley Coupar, who is Chair of the trust,  led the group of volunteers during the project and oversaw its reopening said ‘It has been an absolute pleasure to see the playground super busy throughout the summer and so many wonderful comments from both children and parents.  The variety of equipment means that the playground now appeals to a much broader age range and the zip wire has definitely been a big hit!  The new paving and surfacing have made the playground so much more accessible and means the children will be able to enjoy it all year round.’