Published: Friday 21st September 2018 | 2.02pm
Phase one of the £1.3m development of The Stadium’s completion was marked with an official opening this week.
The ribbon on the new gates was cut by the Leader of the Council Councillor George Adamson and Portfolio Leader for Culture & Sport Councillor Christine Mitchell.
A programme of events was held throughout the day, starting with a community litter pick, hosted by the newly formed Friends of Cannock Stadium Park.
Hundreds of children from Moorhill, Pye Green, Redhill, Littleton Green, Chadsmoor Junior Schools and Staffordshire University Academy were invited to take part in activities across the site including; inclusive cycling, football, hosted by Achieving Goalz and they also enjoyed the adventure play area.
The £1.3m site now boasts an adventure play area, BMX pump track, footpaths, with running routes, green gym equipment, new entrance gates and fencing, CCTV cameras and community allotments with allotment building. This is in addition to the works already undertaken including a mini and toddler play area and multi-use games area, which were opened in 2015 and 2016.
Councillor George Adamson said “The opening of The Stadium marks a significant landmark of an idea that began over 6 years ago. A idea to retain, protect and develop this unique site and landscape for use as public open space and leisure purposes, for the creation of a community sport and recreation hub that can be used by everyone both young and old providing lasting benefits for the whole community now and into the future. I am delighted to see the children enjoying the areas created and hope that they continue to do so.”
Councillor Christine Mitchell said “This site and its development is important to the Council and more significantly our residents and I have followed this project with great interest from the outset, as have my fellow cabinet members in ensuring that this development was delivered. I am delighted that phase one has completed and its lovely to see people enjoying the site, which with the help of Joe from the Friends group The Stadium has a great future.”
The Stadium offers many opportunities in the future with thanks to our leisure provider Inspiring healthy lifestyles, who will be organising regular walking and running groups, an inclusive cycling hub, with adapted cycles for all abilities and helping residents make the most of the community allotments with regular allotment days.