Stratford Park facts for kids
Stratford Park is a beautiful park in Stroud, Gloucestershire, in the southwest of England. It has even won a special award called the green flag award for being a great green space! The park features a big lake and a modern leisure centre. It's a popular spot for visitors and locals in Stroud. You can find it just outside Stroud town, close to areas like Paganhill and Whiteshill. Stratford Park is also famous for being the first place in Britain where people successfully saved trees from being cut down for a road.
Contents
History of Stratford Park
How Stratford Park Got Its Name
The land that is now Stratford Park has been part of Stroud since 1307. The last owner from the old Stratford family was Edward Stratford. He sold the land in 1653, after a big war in England.
A local shop owner named Nathaniel Gardner bought it. His son, Giles Gardner, later owned the house, and you can still see his initials and the year 1674 on a stone there.
Later, in 1819, a brewer from Stroud named Joseph Watts owned the house. His grandson, Joseph Watts Hallewell, was very interested in the large grounds. He changed the estate's name from Stratford House to Stratford Park.
In 1870, a big farming show called the Gloucestershire Agricultural Show was held there. The first Stroud Flower Show also took place at the park in 1871.
Becoming a Public Park
Joseph Watts Hallewell passed away in 1891. The park was then sold to George Holloway, who was a Member of Parliament (MP). Sadly, George Holloway died the next year.
In 1935, the owner at the time, G.F. Ormerod, passed away. He wanted the park to be enjoyed by everyone in Stroud. So, his family sold the 56-acre park to the Stroud Urban District Council. This made sure that people could always visit and enjoy the park.
In 1936, a fun outdoor swimming pool, called a lido, was opened at Stratford Park. A bowling green was also opened. Both of these are still used and enjoyed by people today!
Saving the Trees
Stratford Park gained national attention in 1989. The local council planned to widen a road and wanted to remove thirteen trees. They tried to do this secretly in the middle of the night.
However, local people found out about the plan. They rushed to the park to protect the trees. There was a long stand-off until morning. The police eventually stopped the operation because it was not safe for the public.
The next year, the first "traffic calming" plan in Gloucestershire was put in place. This plan helped slow down traffic without harming any trees. In the next three years, accidents on that road were cut in half! The trees are still standing safely in the park today.
Stratford Park Today
Leisure Centre Activities
On June 1, 1975, the Leisure Centre building opened inside the park. It brought many new fun activities for the people of Stroud. The leisure centre has lots of great facilities.
You can find a gym, a 25-meter indoor swimming pool, and a special outdoor pool. The outdoor pool has a unique 10-meter diving board with three levels! You can also try trampolining, or play sports in two large sports halls.
Outside, there's an all-weather astroturf pitch for sports. There are also hard court tennis courts and a bowls pitch. If you like racket sports, there are squash courts and badminton courts too. The leisure centre also hosts many social events.
Park Features and Fun
The traditional park area is a lovely place to relax. It has a Victorian bandstand where bands play concerts during the summer. There is lots of open space for walking dogs or enjoying other outdoor activities.
The park also has a beautiful lake. People often use it for fishing competitions. The lake is home to many fish, ducks, and swans. Around the lake, there is even a small model railway track, about 6 inches wide, that you can see.
Museum in the Park
Inside Stratford Park, you'll find the Museum in the Park. This museum opened in 2001. It teaches visitors about the local history and culture of the area.
The Museum in the Park took over from an older museum called the Cowle Museum, which opened in 1930. It later became the Stroud District (Cowle) Museum in 1983. Admission to the museum is free for everyone. Schools often visit the museum to use its activities and learning resources.
