Preliminary work gets underway to revamp popular Stafford park
Preparatory work as part of a multi-million pound plan to revamp a popular park in Stafford is set to get underway next week.
Long-term plans for the town’s Rowley Park Sports Stadium have been drawn up following consultation with local people and park users and with the first phase of work expected to start later this year including a much improved and inclusive play area, new learn to ride facility and gym equipment, along with seating, pathways and woodland planting.
On Monday, preliminary work to enhance the main entrance, gates, and roadway, will begin and this work will also help facilitate the further planned development.
A temporary pedestrian pathway has been installed at the main entrance for people to access the park.
Around £1.2 million has already been set aside for the initial phase which has come from money that developers provide to local authorities to deliver benefits to the community, as part of house building or other developments.
Hundreds of people shared their views online, and via face-to-face meetings, about their priorities for the refurbishment of the park.
Stafford Council visited schools to find out what local children want to see and discussed options with representatives from disability groups to ensure the play park is more inclusive with accessible facilities for young people.
Detailed plans for future stages of the scheme will be drawn up when more funding for the project becomes available and could see a wheeled sports area, community sports hub and changing rooms with new public toilets.
It could also include new tennis courts, walking routes, picnic places and car park improvements.
Thousands of youngsters, families and sportspeople use the park - which is home to an artificial football pitch, athletics track, tennis courts and bowling green as well as children’s play area.
The preliminary work is due to take around six weeks.
More information about the park and plans can be seen from the project website.
