Who are we? The Friends of Staunton Country Park are volunteers dedicated to the improvement of the park and helping to raise funds for individual projects. These have included: resurfacing many of the paths, restoring the coach house clock, making additions to the flower beds, and purchasing a defibrillator.
What is our latest challenge? Staunton Country Park provides a range of trails but the terrain means that, unfortunately, wheelchair users and those with mobility difficulties are not able to access most of the park, including the lake, the follies and much of the woodland.
So what's the solution? We want to purchase a Tramper scooter. This would be rugged enough to cope with all the inclines and uneven paths. The Friends have researched the options and spoken to staff at Queen Elizabeth Country Park, where Tramper mobility scooters are proving to be very successful in increasing access.
What would the benefits be? We want all local residents to be able to enjoy the beautiful country park. We particularly want families to be able to have full access together. A Tramper would allow, for example, partners where one person is a wheelchair user and the other isn't to enjoy the park together. A grandparent would be able to spend quality time with grandchildren, enabling them all to share the outdoor environment together.
How much will a Tramper cost? We need to raise £8521.......and here's the good news. Sport England have agreed to pay half the cost if we can raise the other half through Crowdfunder. With your help we need to raise £4261 and then Sport England will provide the rest.
What difference will your contribution make? Help us raise the funds for a Tramper and you will give opportunities for people with mobility difficulties to move around the park and enjoy scenes like the one below.
One user at QE Country Park said:
'My father refused any sort of help, but after using the Tramper once, we cannot keep him off it.'
With your help we can provide the same opportunities at Staunton.