Stratford Park facts for kids
Stratford Park is a wonderful green space in Stroud, Gloucestershire, in the south west of England. It has won a special award called the Green Flag Award, which means it's a really well-managed and welcoming park.
The park has a big lake and a modern leisure centre. This makes Stratford Park a popular spot for both locals and visitors to Stroud. You can find it on the edge of 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 project!
History of Stratford Park
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 to Nathaniel Gardner, who was a "mercer" (someone who sold fine fabrics) in Stroud. You can still see a stone in the house with the initials C.G. and the year 1674, which stands for Nathaniel's son, Giles Gardner.
Later, Joseph Watts, a "brewer" (someone who makes beer) from Stroud, owned the house from 1819 until he passed away in 1855. 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, he even hosted the Gloucestershire Agricultural Show there! The first Stroud Flower Show also took place at the park in 1871.
After Joseph Watts Hallewell died in 1891, the park was sold to George Holloway, who was a Member of Parliament (a politician who helps make laws for the country). Sadly, George Holloway died the next year.
In 1935, the owner G.F. Ormerod passed away. He wanted the people of Stroud to always be able to enjoy the park. So, his executors (people who carry out someone's wishes after they die) sold the 56-acre park to the Stroud Urban District Council. This was the local government at the time. Thanks to this, the park became a public space forever! In 1936, the outdoor swimming pool and the bowling green were opened. Both are still used and loved today.
Stratford Park gained national attention in 1989. The local council planned to cut down thirteen trees for a road-widening project. They tried to do it secretly at midnight. But local people found out and rushed to the park to protect the trees! After a long stand-off until morning, the police stopped the operation for safety reasons. The next year, a "traffic calming" plan was put in place instead. This plan helped slow down traffic without harming any trees. Accident rates on that road were cut in half in the next three years. The trees are still standing tall today!
What's at Stratford Park Today?
On June 1, 1975, the Leisure Centre building opened in the park. It offers many fun activities for people in Stroud. Inside, you'll find a gym and a 25-meter indoor swimming pool. There's also a special outdoor pool with a unique 10-meter diving board!
The Leisure Centre also has trampolining, two sports halls, and an outdoor all-weather pitch for sports. You can play tennis on hard courts, or enjoy a game of bowls. There are also courts for squash and badminton. The centre often hosts social events too.
The traditional park area is lovely for a walk. It has a Victorian bandstand where bands play concerts in the summer. There's lots of open space for walking dogs and other outdoor fun. The park also has a lake, which is often used for fishing competitions. The lake is home to many fish, ducks, and swans. You can even find a small, six-inch scale model railway track that goes around the lake!
Museum in the Park
Inside Stratford Park, you'll also find the Museum in the Park. This museum opened in 2001 and tells the story of local history and culture. It's the newer version of the Cowle Museum, which first opened in 1930. The museum is free to enter, and many schools visit to use its activities and resources.
