There is still time for residents to give feedback on the next stage of the masterplan for a major transformation of a popular park in Stafford.

People have been sharing their views for the refurbishment of the town’s Rowley Park Sports Stadium - with the consultation closing next week.

Thousands of youngsters, families and sports people 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.

The survey will close on Wednesday 1 October and you can have your say at www.staffordbc.gov.uk/rowley. 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.

Improved play areas came out as the top priority for the park, closely followed by sports facilities, as part of the first phase of consultation earlier this year - and these have helped shape new proposals for the site.

Stafford Borough Council also 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.

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.  

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure at the Borough Council, encouraged local people to have their say before the consultation closes.

She said: “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 make their voice heard before the end of this consultation.

“We want this to be another great facility in our borough where families can enjoy spending time, where people want to go for leisure and sporting activities, and one which our residents can be proud of.”  

She added that the council had a great track record of providing popular destination parks across the borough.

The masterplan will be drawn up for the whole of the park - with the potential for further improvements to the site when more funding is available.  

More information from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/rowley

Press Release No 6238