Stockport park unveils tribute to young community hero

A Stockport Park has paid tribute to an 11-year-old resident whose creative vision during the Covid-19 pandemic brought together a community. 

Georgi ‘Geo’ Wilson, 11, inspired the new memorial, supported by Pure Innovations and part of Stockport Council’s COVID Community Commemoration Project, at Vernon Park after creating a Snake Mural of over 1,000 painted pebbles. 

Vernon Park, a cherished green space in the heart of Stockport, is now home to a unique and heartfelt memorial seating area celebrating community resilience, creativity, and, of course, young Geo. 

Stockport Council launched its COVID Community Commemoration Project to support community groups in designing, creating and installing public memorials to celebrate how communities came together during the COVID-19 pandemic whilst remembering lost loved ones.  This project, one of 30, was also supported by local charity Pure Innovations. The seating area includes benches made from Vernon Park memorial bench ends. It incorporates ceramic designs created by those who attend Pure Innovations art groups, as well as a heart-shaped floor design which incorporates elements from Geo’s painted pebble snake known as “Stan the Snake.”  

Geo started Stan the Snake during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Geo’s vision transformed simple painted pebbles into a long, winding snake that quickly symbolised hope, community, and solidarity. As residents added their decorated stones, Stan the Snake grew longer, embodying the collective spirit and creativity of Stockport’s community. 

Cllr Frankie Singleton, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Sport, said:

“I was delighted to meet Geo and to officially open the seating area at Vernon Park.??We created the COVID Commemoration Project to remember the COVID pandemic, the people we lost and the amazing way in which communities came together to support one another.?? 

“This is such a lovely addition to a cherished public space and the story of how it came about is really moving.??Geo should be so proud, not just for creating Stan the Snake, but also for bringing local people together?and creating something which will bring pleasure to visitors for many years to come.” 

Louise Parrott-Bates, CEO of Pure Innovations, said:

“The new seating area not only provides a place for reflection and rest but also serves as a permanent tribute to the strength and togetherness demonstrated by the Stockport community during challenging times. The inclusion of Stan the Snake into the benches ensures that the memory of this unique community project will live on for years to come.” 

Stan the Snake is one of 30 COVID Commemoration Projects that Stockport Council has supported, all led by residents and community groups.?Once the project is completed, there will be at least one project in each ward of the borough.