Aerial Adventure Equipment for Stoke Park

Published on: 9 Dec, 2012
Updated on: 9 Dec, 2012

A new aerial adventure course is to be built in Stoke Park thanks to a Guildford Borough Council partnership with local company Craggy Island.

Peacock Wood, Stoke Park, Guildford.

It will be constructed in Peacock Wood, not far from the pedestrian crossing on Parkway, and will include a number of physical challenges including a zip wire, rope bridges and aerial fan descender.

Operator Craggy Island will develop the £500,000 scheme, which is subject to planning approval. The council will invest £150,000 of this total to refurbish an existing reception building, improve car parking and complete landscaping.

The council’s Executive approved the £150,000 funding at its latest meeting on Thursday, December 6.

Cllr Matt Furniss, Lead Councillor for Environment, said: “The new high ropes course will provide an exciting adventure activity for people of all ages and abilities, making a fantastic addition to our award winning Stoke Park. It will also be available to schools, local youth groups and other charitable organisations.

Entrance to Stoke Park from Parkway, with Peacock Wood in the background.

“Peacock Wood will remain open for users of the park, and improvements to our current car parking and landscaping will benefit all visitors. The trees will be protected and a woodland maintenance programme will help improve the biodiversity of the area.”

The borough says the course will generate a substantial income for the council – around £1 million over the 25-year-lease period.

Rob Mitchell, a director at Craggy Island, said: “We are absolutely delighted that the council has embraced this project and worked with us to provide what will be an outstanding facility and a great asset to Guildford. We have been providing rock climbing activities to the area for over eight years now, and the high ropes challenges are a natural extension to that which we already provide.”

A planning application is due to be submitted before Christmas.