Parks for People Lottery Bid - Stafford Orchard February 2007
In 2000 Quorn Parish Council adopted a plan for a pedestrian ‘safe route’ bisecting the village centre, a distance of about 1000 metres. A prime objective was to increase the public use of open spaces adjacent to, or crossed by, the route. The first two phases of the plan have been completed. The final phase is the Stafford Orchard park, the redevelopment of which is beyond the financial resources of the Council.
The park is underused by local residents, particularly the elderly and families, mainly because the facilities and ambience are not welcoming. Stafford Orchard provides pedestrian access from the southern part of the village to the Community College, public library, swimming pool, church, shops, medical centre, pharmacy, Post Office and pubs. The Community College comprises a 1400 student school, adult education and evening classes and contributes to a large influx of people into the village during the day and in the evenings, many of whom pass through, or spend time in, the Stafford Orchard.
The lottery bid project aims to; increase community usage of the park; broaden its audience and appeal; complete the safe route; re-unite the ancient Stafford Lands; provide soft and hard sports areas, children’s play equipment, youth provision, a sensory garden and peaceful area, heritage displays, a performance space, planted tree and shrub areas, a sense of arrival, better access and toilet facilities, improved security and boundaries, and a waterside picnic and family area by Buddon Brook.
Post development, a programme of events including brass bands, outdoor theatre, concerts and annual celebrations is planned.
The project masterplan is available on-line as a PDF. This is a large 5Mbyte file and can be downloaded here.
