The Beginning of  FoRP

Once the renovation of the park was complete, FoRP’s main aim was to encourage more people into the park and to ensure that the high standards achieved were maintained.

They leased part of the pavilion building and ran a café, initially using volunteers. The cafe is now run by staff employed by FoRP. The Group became a Limited Company, limited by guarantee, and the café is run on a non-profit making basis.

Apart from the café employees, all members of the Group are volunteers. Their efforts raise funds which are used to enhance projects within the park and provide events for everyone living in the surrounding area.

With the help of funding from the Co-op, FoRP commissioned a local artist to create the “Stockton Owl”.  Local schools were contacted and ideas put forward by pupils regarding the design of the sculpture and now we have a wonderful owl which overlooks the lake.