The Recreation Ground (or 'Rec' as local people know it) on Swan's Nest Lane in Stratford-upon-Avon is a large expanse or public open space and is a great place to play, meet up and have fun in Stratford!

The space offers a range of facilities and makes available a large grass area for informal sports activities and general recreational use. Below is a list of facilities which are available on the Recreation Ground.

Outdoor Gym Equipment

• Seated chest press
• Cross country skier
• Seated leg press
• Arm pedal cycle
• Bicycle
• Pull down challenger

Play Area and Paddling Pool

The play area underwent a successful refurbishment and now boasts a variety of new play equipment.

Project highlights include:

• £250,000 investment in high-quality, inclusive play equipment
• Designed for children aged 1-11 years
• 75+ engaging play features Forest and River thematic design Installed using EcoCore Panels (recyclable and made from more than 95% post-consumer recycled waste)
• Capacity for 150 users at any one time
• A dedicated Accessible Sensory Play Area
• A new shaded picnic area with additional seating Improved paddling pool surround with non-slip surfacing
• New play features added within the paddling pool to encourage water play
• Enhanced landscaping throughout, including newly laid grassed areas
• Revamped sandpit with running water reinstated
• Redecorated public toilets with a new boiler installed
• Selected car park markings relined, including zebra crossings

Paddling Pool

A free-to-use facility for young children to enjoy.

The paddling pool is open daily from 1 May to 30 September (11am-7pm), weather permitting.

The paddling pool may be drained for cleaning, repair or maintenance, a process that may take up to six hours, so please be mindful of this if you are planning a visit.

There is a strict monitoring regime at the paddling pool:

• We check for debris, broken glass and trip hazards three times a day.
• We test chlorine levels three times a day, adjusting when necessary.
• We clear litter from the site and empty the litter bins on a daily basis.

The address of this facility is:

The Recreation Ground
Swans Nest Lane
Stratford-upon-Avon
CV37 7LS

Advice to Keep You and Your Children Safe

• The paddling pool is for the use of young children only.
• Babies and children should not wear nappies in the paddling pool but can wear a purpose-made costume for swimming pool use.
• All children inside the paddling pool enclosure must be accompanied by a responsible person who is in charge of the child at all times.
• Take care: paddling pools can be hazardous. Water presents a risk of drowning and injuries can occur from hitting the hard surround.
• Children should only be allowed to enter the paddling pool area when the gate is open. When the gate is closed, access is not permitted.

Important Information

• The nearest public telephone is at Stratford Leisure Centre, Bridgeway, Stratford-upon-Avon, CV37 6YX.
• A first aid kit is also available at Stratford Leisure Centre.
• A defibrillator is located at the side of the nearby Sports Pavilion.
• Public toilets are located by the entrance to the play area.
• No dogs; no glass/china; no diving; no running; no food or drink; no skateboards, rollerblades or BMXs.

Natural Play Area

Our natural play area has the following equipment for you to enjoy:

• Cableway
• Embankment slide
• Junior multi-play
• Balancing logs
• Play panel
• Rope swing
• Totem poles
• Trim trail

Cycle Track

A cycle track on the south-eastern corner of the Recreation Ground which provides a safe environment for young riders to learn how to cycle and prepare for the roads while being free from the dangers of other vehicles.

The layout of the track is a stylised version of the town centre roads to give some authenticity to it, as are the road signs and names. The track also contains road markings, pedestrian crossings, a mini-roundabout and working traffic lights to make it as realistic as possible.

The area includes new tree planting, the provision of suitably cut tree trunks to form rustic/natural seating, longer swards of grass and wildflower planting.

To report an accident, fault or damage to any of these areas, please contact Stratford-on-Avon District Council:

• Telephone: 01789 267575
• Email: leisure@stratford-dc.gov.uk