The countdown is on until the fencing comes down at Stone’s Westbridge Park, signalling the opening of brand-new play facilities in time for the school half-term break.
Westbridge Park is currently undergoing a major £1.5m transformation, and from Saturday, 28 October, youngsters will be able to play on fantastic new equipment, ride on the double zip wire, and have a go in the multi-use games area (MUGA).
Although the scheme – which includes a wheeled sports bowl, toilets, enhanced pathways, and landscaping – is on track to be completed later in November, Stafford Borough Council has opened the children’s facilities for the start of the half-term holidays.
Councillor Gillian Pardesi, Cabinet Member for Leisure at the borough council, visited the site recently with colleagues to see the work taking shape and said it was great news for local youngsters and the facilities would draw people from across the town and beyond.
“It is so exciting to see this fantastic play area having the finishing touches applied so that it is ready to be open – and the children will love it. I’m sure having the facilities available for the half-term holidays will also be great news for many parents and carers,” she said.
The play park is significantly larger than the previous site and includes 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, and the MUGA is available for five-a-side football, basketball, and tennis – but also provides a space for people doing circuit training and keep fit.
Situated on the site of the former park, the sunken garden will also be open from Saturday. A new woodland play area, which is part of the major makeover, is already proving popular with picnic table for families and wooden features for children to build or climb on.
Key space for local events and existing football provision has been incorporated in the design of the park and work is continuing on the wheeled sports facility and car parks.
Cllr Pardesi added:
“We will not be taking our foot off the pedal as we now want to see the whole development completed and open for everyone as soon as possible.
“This important scheme will draw more visitors to Stone, supporting the local economy, and will improve walking and cycling routes, which will offer further opportunities for people to keep active while enjoying the beautiful surroundings.”
More information about the scheme is available from Westbridge Park – A Destination | Stafford Borough Council (staffordbc.gov.uk)
