Outdoor gym plans for Stafford recreation area
An outdoor gym and "natural play" area are on the cards for a Stafford recreation area – but a young resident’s dreams of a rollercoaster will not be granted.
The play area and open space at Holmcroft are set to transformed as part of Stafford Borough Council’s plans.
The concept plan for the new facilities has been developed based on the results of a consultation with Holmcroft residents and schools which took place last year and it is hoped the project will be completed in 2021.
On Thursday the council’s cabinet approved the concept plans and granted permission for £483,000 to be spent on the project. This includes a contribution of more than £85,000 given by developers as part of the granting of planning permission – known as Section 106 agreements.
Councillor Carolyn Trowbridge, cabinet member for leisure, said: “This is a very exciting proposal – not just the park but the benefit to wildlife, ecology and dog walkers. I hope everybody is in agreement and you can see the benefits to the people of Stafford.
“I know (ward councillor Jonathan Price) has worked hard with the local people and has listened to everything that has come back in. We have come up with an excellent proposal because of it.”
Councillor Price, cabinet member for environment, said: “I want to thank Councillor Trowbridge for all her support on this scheme. Bryan Cross [fellow Holmcroft ward councillor] and I have worked hard from the beginning to get this project off the ground.
“It looks like we are going to see this through to fruition in 18 months. I’m really pleased to see this and look forward to seeing it open – it is a fantastic facility the council will be building for our residents.
“There is a five-year-old we won’t be able to provide with the rollercoaster he requested – I was very disappointed. But we have managed pretty much everything else.”
Councillor Jeremy Pert, cabinet member for community, added: “I want to pay tribute to the consultation work that has gone on with this. It was a really excellent consultation that engaged members of the Holmcroft community to design the scheme where they live – it’s really important.
“We should be commending the work of council officers and local people in coming up with a scheme they can engage with – it’s nice to see the results.”
The Holmcroft Road recreation area may not include a rollercoaster in the future but instead facilities in the pipeline include a playground suitable for a range of ages, outdoor gym equipment, wildlife zones, natural play elements, picnic areas, and more.
