A fantastic new play park and multi-games area in Stone will open in time for the school half term holidays this month as part of major transformation.

Westbridge Park is currently undergoing a £1.5m transformation with new play equipment, wheeled sports facility, and multi-use games area (MUGA) - as well as toilets, picnic and seating areas, enhanced pathways, and landscaping. 

The huge scheme is on track to be completed late November - but Stafford Borough Council has said they will have play facilities and the MUGA available to coincide with the start of the October half term (Saturday 28th). The zip wire and sunken garden will also be open from that day. 

The play park is significantly larger than the previous site and includes a range of equipment for all ages - including tower and tube slide, integrated mini trampoline, boulder scramble, tyre swing, and climbing blocks. The double zip wire has a more than 30 metre run. The MUGA is available for five-a-side football, basketball and tennis - but they are also popular for people doing circuit training and keep fit.  

A new woodland play area opened recently as part of the major makeover and is already proving popular with picnic table for families and wooden features for children to build or climb on. 

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure at the borough council, said it was great news for local youngsters and the brand new facilities would draw people from across the town and beyond. 

She said: “We want to get the whole development open as soon as possible but we were determined to have the play area and MUGA available for the children and families of Stone in time for the half term holidays. 

“Residents of Stone have been looking forward for this popular destination to be transformed and I am really pleased that we have ensured it is on track to deliver an amazing new facility as planned.” 

Key space for local events and existing football provision has been incorporated in the design of the park. Work is still being carried out on the wheeled sports facility and car parks. 

Councillor Pardesi continued: “This is such an important scheme for the people of the town and surrounding areas. These great facilities will draw more visitors to Stone which will help support the local economy - and the improved walking and cycling routes will offer more opportunities for people to keep active while enjoying the beautiful surrounds.” 

Award-winning construction firm, Ground Control have carried out the work - with the wheeled sports facility being built by specialists Bendcrete. 

More information will be available from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/westbridge-park

Press Release 6075