Residents across the borough are getting their first look at what Rowley Park Sports Stadium could become. Stafford Borough Council has released images showing a transformed play area, part of a wider multi-million-pound improvement programme for the park. Work on the first phase is expected to begin later this year, with completion targeted for Spring 2027.
Award-winning playground specialists Wicksteed are set to carry out the work. The new play area will be designed with inclusion at its heart, following consultation with disability groups to ensure accessible facilities for all youngsters. Alongside the playground, plans include a learn-to-ride facility, outdoor fitness equipment, new seating and woodland planting.
Some early work is already under way. The main gates and entrance to the park have been upgraded, and pathway improvements are ongoing.
Listening to local people
Hundreds of residents shared their views online and in person, and the council visited local schools to hear directly from children about what they wanted.
It is exciting to see what the play area will look like in the Spring of next year. We have a great track record of providing popular destination parks across the borough and I expect Rowley Park Sports Stadium to be no exception. This will be a venue where families can enjoy spending time, where people want to come for leisure and sporting activities, and a place where our residents can be proud of.
Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure
Longer-term ambitions
The £1.2m first phase is funded through developer contributions, the money local authorities receive from housebuilders to deliver community benefits. Further funding will unlock a second wave of improvements, which could include:
- A wheeled sports area
- A community sports hub
- Changing rooms and new public toilets
- Junior tennis courts
- Walking routes and picnic areas
- An improved car park
The park already hosts an artificial football pitch, athletics track and bowling green, drawing thousands of families, young people and sports clubs throughout the year, and is familiar with many Gnosall children who attend one of Stafford's secondary schools. A fully upgraded Rowley Park would strengthen that offer considerably, giving the wider Stafford area a leisure destination to genuinely build on.
Full details and updates are available at staffordbc.gov.uk/rowley.
Source: staffordbc.gov.uk
