Stevens Park centenary
Wednesday 27th October saw celebrations to mark the centenary of Stevens Park in addition to the completion of recent restoration work at Tintern House and new facilities following a £1.8 million regeneration programme.
Crowds of local people enjoyed the event which hosted a Victorian fair, a juggling show from Solo Circus act as well as craft stalls. Councillor Anne Millward, Mayor of Dudley was present and cut the ribbon for the official opening of the new facilities.
(L -R) James Marston, Dudley MBC, Ruth Krivosic, CEO of The Emily Jordan Foundation Projects, Daniel Filds, Dudley MBC Chris Jordan, Founder of The Emily Jordan Foundation Projects, David Sparks, chair of Friends of Stevens Park, Councillor Karen Shakespeare and Councillor Anne Millward, Mayor of Dudley.
The Emily Jordan Foundation Projects now occupy most of Tintern House following a full refurbishment, running Spokes and Go Green projects from within the building and the horticulture project, Twigs, from within the grounds. The Foundation supports people with learning disabilities to lead fulfilled lives through work-based activities, encouraging them to develop and learn new skills and enable those that are able, to move towards employment.
Ruth Krivosic, Chief Executive Officer of The Emily Jordan Foundation Projects said, “It was fantastic to see so many people come out to celebrate the centenary of the park and the completion of the works within Tintern House and its grounds. We’ve worked hard over the past few years along with Dudley Council and the Heritage Lottery to get the renovation work completed and to open the doors of the Foundation in Dudley. We aim to develop a strong relationship with the local community and the support given to today is a wonderful place to start.”
The rear of the building is home to No. 92 Coffee Lounge which brings a comfortable space for family and friends to gather and enjoy beautiful views of the park from either inside the coffee shop or on the terrace.
Within the ground of the park a new footpath has been constructed to enhance the visitor experience, essential repair works have been carried out to the bandstand and within the Peace Gardens as well as new planting.
David Sparks, chair of Friends of Stevens Park, said: "The refurbishments have been such a radical improvement that they have resulted in the rebirth of the park. The change is truly historic."
