Community asked to have say on next stage of plans for popular park in Stafford

Residents are being asked to give their feedback on the next stage of plans for a major transformation of a popular park in Stafford.

Hundreds of people shared their views online, and via face-to-face meetings, about their priorities for the refurbishment of the town’s Rowley Park Sports Stadium.

Thousands of youngsters, families and sportsmen and women use the park all year round which is home to an artificial football pitch, running track, tennis courts and bowling green as well as children’s play area.

During an initial consultation, run during the summer, the borough 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.

Improved play areas came out as the top priority for the park, closely followed by sports facilities - and these have helped shape new proposals for the site.

A drop-in session will take place on Thursday 11 September between 6pm and 8pm where the concept masterplan for the park will be showcased and people can hear more about the revamp and share their ideas. The consultation will be launched on 11 September and you can have your say online at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/rowley.

The survey will close on Wednesday 1 October.

The refurbishment will see new play equipment for toddlers and juniors, an improved multi-use games area, and potential wheeled sports facility, as well as walking routes and picnic places. It could also include a Ninja Warrior or Parkour trail - which have been growing in popularity with young people for testing agility, strength and co-ordination.

Initial work has been earmarked to get underway in 2026.

Money that developers provide to local authorities to deliver benefits to the community, as part of house building or other developments, will be used to fund the project.

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure at the Borough Council, said: “It was great to see so many people giving their feedback on the first stage towards producing a masterplan for the park - and this has helped us draw up proposed designs.

“The views of local people, families, youngsters and everyone who uses this popular area are very important in shaping our vision for the park and I’d encourage everyone to stay with us on this journey and take part in the next phase of our engagement.

She added: “The council has a great track record of providing popular destination parks across the borough and I expect Rowley Park Sports Stadium to be no exception. It is shaping up to be another great facility where families can enjoy spending time, where people want to use for leisure and sporting activities, and one which our residents can be proud of.”

The masterplan will be drawn up for the whole of the Rowley Park Sports Stadium area - with the potential for further improvements to the site when more funding is available.

More information about the consultation and drop-in session at the park from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/rowley