Published: Friday, 14th February 2025
Families and children living nearby Laburnum Avenue have a brand-new reason to head outdoors and explore, as the refurbished Laburnum Avenue Play Area officially opens to the community.
The transformed site boasts a range of exciting new features designed to encourage outdoor play, spark imagination, and connect visitors with nature in a unique and engaging way.
The play area has undergone a significant upgrade, with new state-of-the-art play equipment catering to children of all ages, improved accessibility features to ensure inclusivity, and enhanced landscaping to create a safe and welcoming space for families. The revamped site now also includes seating areas for parents and carers to relax while children play.
One of the most exciting additions to the play area is a stunning new art installation, created collaboratively by local artists, schoolchildren, and members of local Beavers and Cubs groups. This charming artwork marks the beginning of an innovative augmented reality (AR) trail through the nearby woods.
Using a smartphone or tablet, visitors can embark on a digital adventure, discovering five hidden woodland creatures and learning about their habitats and ways of life through interactive storytelling. This new challenge can be accessed via the Cannock Chase Can App, which is free to download from the App Store and Google Play.
Councillor John Preece, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Leader for Parks, Culture and Heritage, praised the transformation, stating: “Outdoor play spaces like Laburnum Avenue Play Area are vital for children’s development, encouraging them to be active, creative, and engaged with the natural world. This refurbishment, along with the unique augmented reality trail, brings a whole new dimension to outdoor learning and fun. We are thrilled to see this project come to life, thanks to the dedication of the local community and artists.”
The official opening event took place on Friday 14 February and featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live demonstrations of the AR trail, and fun activities for families. We encourage families to go a long and try out the new play area this half term.
For more information about this project visit www.cannockchasedc.gov.uk/newparks