Central Forest Park | 54%
off Chell Street, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent
3 5 3 2 1 1 1 5 3 3 = 27/50
Ways to Wellbeing Score = 54%
Summary
Just a short walk from the main Potteries Shopping Centre, this is probably the best local park for children, teenagers and young adults, boasting lots of equipment and activity features. It’s also accessible by a number of greenway cycle routes.
Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – but car park and toilets close at night.
Connect (People & Nature) ***** 3
Refreshments kiosk | Lake | Mounds with panoramic viewpoints | Ready access to cycle routes
Be Active (Body) ***** 5
Skate plaza (possibly Europe’s largest) | Cycling permitted (links to cycle routes) | Cycle & skate shop | Large children’s play park | Adventure equipment & rock climb feature | 2 mounds to walk up/climb | Outdoor table tennis | Fishing (public) | Exercise sessions (small charge)
Take Notice (Place) ***** 3
Far reaching views of surrounding city landscape form viewpoints | Lake with numerous water bird species | Areas of open grassland for insects/birds
Keep Learning (Mind) ***** 2
Place to learn new tricks/stunts (skate park)
Give (Spirit) ***** 1
No known volunteer opportunities
Care (Planet) ***** 1
No known specific environmental features or initiatives
Be Creative (Self) ***** 2
Stainless steel sculpture pedestrian approach | Graffiti wall (grafitti accepted as artform on concrete-work of skate park)
Value ***** 5
Quality free skate space for teenagers | Good play park for younger children
Upkeep ***** 3
Reasonably well maintained but occasional litter
Secure/Feeling Safe ***** 3
Busy/noisy at peak holiday periods | City centre location makes it more vulnerable to anti-social behaviour
Conclusion
Definitely a good park for physical exercise and entertaining the kids, teenagers and younger adults. Skate park facilities and skills challenges are probably second to none. Worth walking to the top of the mound(s) for the views across the city – although it’s quite a steep climb!