Plans for a new inclusive playground at Rowley Park Sports Stadium have been revealed as Stafford Borough Council prepares to begin the first phase of a £1.2 million improvement programme.

Construction on the play area is expected to start later in 2026, with completion planned for spring 2027. The council has released a visualisation showing how the facility could look when the work is finished.

Award-winning outdoor playground specialist Wicksteed will deliver the project. The new play space is intended to provide equipment and facilities for children with a wider range of ages and abilities.

Preliminary work has already improved the main gates and entrance to the park, while upgrades to the pathways are continuing.

How the £1.2 million project is being funded

The £1.2 million allocated to the initial phase comes from developer contributions. This is money provided to local authorities through planning agreements to support community infrastructure connected with new housing and other development.

The first phase also includes plans for a learn-to-ride area, outdoor fitness equipment, additional seating and woodland planting.

Stafford Borough Council said the proposals reflect feedback gathered from local residents and people who use the park. Hundreds of people responded online or attended face-to-face discussions about the refurbishment.

Council representatives also visited schools to hear what children wanted from the new facilities. Discussions were held with disability groups to help make the playground more inclusive and ensure accessible features were considered in the design.

Further improvements proposed for Rowley Park

Later phases will depend on additional funding becoming available. Potential additions include a wheeled sports area, a community sports hub, changing rooms and new public toilets.

The wider plan also identifies possible junior tennis courts, improved walking routes, picnic areas and car park upgrades.

Rowley Park is already used by thousands of children, families and sportspeople. The site includes an artificial football pitch, athletics track and bowling green alongside the existing play and open-space facilities.

Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Stafford Borough Council's Cabinet Member for Leisure, said: "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."

More information about the programme and its planned phases is available on the Stafford Borough Council Rowley Park page.