Residents are being asked for their views on plans for a major refurbishment of a park in Stafford.

Rowley Park Sports Stadium is home to an artificial football pitch, running track, tennis courts and bowling green as well as children’s play area.

The initial phase of the plans will look at play equipment for toddlers and juniors, an improved multi-use games area, and potential new 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.

The council say they will be working with local schoolchildren to ensure the play park is more inclusive with accessible facilities.

Everyone has until Sunday 20 July to give their feedback.

Funding has come from the money developers must provide to local authorities, to deliver benefits to the community, as part of house building or other developments they have carried out in the area.

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

Cabinet Member for Leisure, Councillor Gillian Pardesi, said the local authority had a strong track record on delivering quality parks for the borough - such as Westbridge Park in Stone, which was officially opened last year, and Stafford’s Victoria Park and Wildwood Park.

She said: “This is a popular destination for many families, residents and visitors using the park for sport and leisure activities. Now it is time to transform the play area for the younger members of our community to enjoy.

Councillor Pardesi said they wanted input from park users before drawing up designs. “I am inviting people who use the park - parents and carers whose children will benefit from excellent play equipment, families who will enjoy improved facilities, sportsmen and women who take part in training or competitions at Rowley, and anyone else who loves this park, to give us their feedback so their views can be taken into account.

“Our initial focus will be on the parts that are most in need of updating but I expect more funding to become available which is why we will be working on a master plan for the whole park.”

She added: “We have provided so many quality parks in our borough, and Rowley will be no exception.”

The council has earmarked initial work to get underway in 2026.

You can find out more, and take part in the consultation, from www.staffordbc.gov.uk/rowley

Press Release No 6221