Nearly four times more visitors attended the reopening of a city park last month following the completion of a £2m restoration project.
Burslem Park’s reopening saw an estimated 5,021 guests welcomed into the grounds to see the fruits of two years of labour to improve the Victorian park.
The figures mean that the park saw a massive 374% rise in its average weekend visitors compared with the same time last year. During June 2011, average visitor figures were 1,344.
Councillor Andy Platt, cabinet member for city services and green enterprises, said: “The turnout for the day was fantastic and hopefully people have seen what this magnificent park has to offer and will return with friends and family in the future.”
The event saw a full day’s activities in the park including fairground rides, a bungee run, bouncy castle, as well as live music.
Burslem Park was reopened on Saturday June 23, 2012 following the completion of the £2m Parks for People restoration project; funding made available from a grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) and Big Lottery Fund (BIG). Additional funding of around £500k was also provided by the city council to complete the project.
The work has saw over 35,000 plants and 72 trees planted across the park, and the restoration of key historic features including the pavilion, pathways, Victorian terrace garden, two terracotta fountains; restored to working order for the first time since 1895, rockery, ornate terracotta balustrades and park gates and entrances.
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Notes:
Figures are estimates based on automated visitor counters.
For all media enquiries contact Steven Kennedy in the Communications Department at Stoke-on-Trent City Council on 01782 232987.