Recent improvements to Stratford-on-Avon District Council's children's cycle training track at Stratford-upon-Avon's Recreation Ground are already receiving a warm welcome from local families with young cyclists making full use of the enhanced facility.

The popular cycle track, located on the south-eastern corner of the Recreation Ground, has recently undergone a major refurbishment and expansion programme costing around £150,000, which has effectively doubled the size of the facility and introduced a range of new features designed to create a more engaging and realistic cycling environment.

The track, designed to replicate elements of Stratford-upon-Avon's road network, includes road markings, pedestrian crossings and traffic lights, enabling children to learn road awareness and cycling confidence in a safe setting away from traffic.

As part of the improvements, a new section of cycle track has been added, complete with additional traffic lights and a new lay-by area to better reflect real-world road conditions and provide greater variety for users. The existing track surface was also resurfaced to address cracking and deterioration, ensuring a smoother and safer riding experience.

Additional traffic lights have been installed across the expanded network, and the sequencing of all traffic lights has been adjusted to reduce waiting times, helping to keep children moving around the track and enhancing the overall experience.

New landscape features, including mounds and hills, have also been introduced to add interest and challenge for young cyclists. The bike parking area has been enlarged to reflect the popularity of the facility, while new benches provide comfortable seating for parents, grandparents and carers who wish to stay close by while children enjoy the track.

The project was completed three days ahead of schedule, despite challenging heatwave conditions and the difficulties associated with laying tarmac during extremely hot weather.

Councillor Lorraine Grocott, Portfolio Holder for Environmental and Neighbourhood Services, said: "We're delighted to see the cycle training track looking so good and, more importantly, being enjoyed by so many local children and families.  The investment has transformed the facility, doubling its size and adding a range of new features that help create an even more realistic and enjoyable environment for young cyclists. The positive feedback we've received has been fantastic. The track provides a safe and fun place for young people to develop their cycling skills and confidence, while the new seating areas create a more welcoming space for parents and carers.  Investing in our parks and open spaces helps ensure they remain attractive, accessible and enjoyable for everyone, and it's wonderful to see this facility being used exactly as intended."

The cycle training track remains a popular feature of the Recreation Ground and forms part of the District Council's commitment to providing high-quality outdoor spaces that support active lifestyles, health and wellbeing across the District.