A group of volunteers have given Stratford Park’s old sauna facility a stunning makeover.
In October, more than 100 sauna users created a Save our Sauna Facebook page, which urged Stratford Park Leisure Centre operator Stroud District Council to keep the facility open after rising costs had put the future of the sauna at risk. However, sauna lovers met with officials from SDC last month to formulate a plan of action to keep the popular destination afloat.
Sauna lover Martin Turner told Stroud Times: “We are proud to announce that the new and refurbished sauna at Stratford Park Leisure Centre is fully open.
“Mick Doyle, James Whitestone, Alister Liscott and myself have created a beautiful sauna, which should hopefully reach out to all sauna users from Stroud and beyond and bring in extra revenue.
“It really is a piece of art, working alongside Mick for the past four days – has made me feel so humble with the care and attention that he has put in to this project – he really has put his heart and soul into this sauna project.
“The team would like to thank Darren Young, Leisure Services Manager at SDC, for his support in helping with this project and being so positive in helping with all the changes that have been made.”
A Stroud District Council spokesperson said: “We appreciate how much the sauna and steam room are valued by users and we’re grateful for the group’s co-operation in working together to improve it.
“We have been working closely with users and in partnership with local tradespeople, have identified the resources to enable a high quality refurbishment of the facility.
“Stroud District Council has provided materials and a number of local tradespeople, appropriately skilled, insured and risk assessed, will carry out the work free-of-charge The work will be overseen the District Council.
“The Council is committed to asset-based community development, by enabling residents to influence and enact positive change, and this is a great example of this in action.”
Stroud District Council took over managing the centre last November – promising £2.7 million of funding over the next five years.
