Work is due to start soon to turn Rowley Park in Stafford into a destination park

Work is expected to begin soon on a multi-million-pound masterplan to transform Rowley Park Sports Stadium into a more inclusive “destination park” for the community, with the first visible changes set to start at the main entrance in February 2026.

The plans have been drawn up by Stafford Borough Council following two phases of consultation with residents, park users, local schools and disability groups, with play areas coming through as the top priority.

What’s happening first and when

The council says Phase 1 is backed by over £1 million in funding, with around £1.2 million already set aside. This funding has come from developer contributions (money paid to support community benefits linked to housing and other developments).

Preliminary works are due to take place to the main entrance, gates and roadway during February 2026, which the council says will help unlock the wider Phase 1 improvements and support future phases.

Phase 1 is currently expected to be completed during 2027.

What Phase 1 will include

Phase 1 is set to include:

• a new inclusive destination play area

• a learn-to-ride area

• green gym equipment

• new or improved pathways, breakout spaces and seating

• woodland planting 

The goal is to create a flagship play space that works for a wider range of ages and abilities, shaped by the feedback gathered during consultation.

Future plans beyond Phase 1

The council has been clear that the masterplan is designed to be delivered in stages, with later elements depending on further funding becoming available.

Future phases listed by the council include: a cycling pump track, wheeled sports area, obstacle course, car park improvements, a Changing Places facility, enhanced paths and lighting, additional planting, a new community sports hub and changing rooms, new public toilets, a community garden, and tennis courts.

The published masterplan gives a clearer picture of what these could look like on the ground. Proposals include a 1.5km (1500m) perimeter “boundary path” designed for walking, running and cycling, with distance markers and breakout areas, plus new lighting designed to meet dark-sky standards and switch off at a reasonable hour.

There are also plans to widen the main entrance off Averill Road for two-way traffic and add improved pedestrian access, plus new gates at Rowley Grove, Lawn Road and Mary Rand Close.

Other long-term ideas shown on the masterplan include an upgraded car park layout (including more accessible bays and parent/toddler spaces) and a replacement pavilion building with facilities such as changing rooms and public toilets.

The council notes that the masterplan is indicative and may be subject to change, depending on feedback and resources.

Other planned improvements already flagged for the site

Alongside the wider masterplan, the council has also said a replacement artificial pitch is due to be installed during the summer off-season, and there will be improvements to floodlighting this year.

Proposed layout

Key:

1. Main Entrance off Averill Road

2. Overflow Car Park

3. Boundary Path

4. Bowling Green

5. Entrance to Rowley Grove

6. Crazy Golf

7. Wildlife Area

8. Entrance to Mary Rand Close

9. Community Area

10. Multi Use Games Area

11. Tennis Courts

12. Athletics Track and 3g Pitch

13. Pavilion

14. Obstacle Course

15. Play Area

16. Main Car Park

17. Learn to Ride Arena

18. Wheeled Sports Facility

19. Pump Track

20. Woodland Trail

21. Football Pitches

22. Entrance to Lawn Road

23. Athletic Throws Area

24. The Green Gym Locations correspond to the purple dots throughout.