Published: Wednesday, 20th July 2016
Members of Cannock Chase Council and the Heritage Lottery Fund were joined by the architects and building/landscape/play contractors yesterday, as well as local community groups/schools and churches to officially open parts of Hednesford Park.
The refurbished pavilion (Café), skate park, parkour and multi-use games area were officially opened by Councillor Christine Mitchell the Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport and Sue Beardsmore from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Councillor Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport said “This event is to celebrate the hard work and investment that has made Hednesford Park one of the best parks in Staffordshire and a destination park for many.
The work here could not have been completed without the grant we received from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the hard work from all of the people involved; many of whom are here today.
Our residents have a park and facilities to be proud of.”
Sue Beardsmore Chair of the West Midlands HLF Committee said ”This is a perfect example of how the Heritage Lottery Fund can work with organisations to make a difference to the lives of so many “
Cannock Chase Council received a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant in 2012 for £2.2M together with funding from the Council, Staffordshire Environmental Fund and St Modwen, this has enabled the park to be dramatically transformed over the last 4 years with new paths, bins, benches, railings, gates, outdoor gym equipment, water fountains car parks and landscaping.
In June this year the skate park costing over £170k, opened early for eager users.
In December 2015 two play areas for toddlers/juniors and teenagers were opened, which took over two years to complete and cost in excess of over £250k.
In September 2013 the refurbished tennis courts were opened for use, and currently offer free tennis lessons through Cheslyn Hay Tennis Club every Sunday.
There is still work to be completed at the park, with the removal of the old play area, an art piece to be installed at the entrance and lighting in the park. This is estimated to take another couple of years.