Published: Friday, 4th December 2015
Members from Cannock Chase Council were joined by local children, community groups and partners to officially open the play areas at Hednesford Park.
The two fully inclusive play areas for toddlers/juniors and teenagers have taken over two years to complete with costs in excess of over £250,000.00.
The work was made possible following a successful application for just over £2.2M Heritage Lottery Fund Grant, together with funding from the Council, Staffordshire Environmental Fund and St Modwen.
The design of the play areas was influenced by the local history of Hednesford, the natural environment and the way children play and develop. Local children contributed to the design through modelling and drawing. The designs are innovative, creative and multi-functional incorporating sensory play, water and sand.
Councillor Christine Mitchell, Portfolio Leader for Culture and Sport said “I am delighted to open this fantastic play area for local children. This project has been achieved through rigorous consultation and delivered through the hard work and effort of the local community, partners and Council Officers.
Cannock Chase Council have spent many hours with The Friends of Hednesford Park making sure that this play area is the best that can be offered to the children and parents and without their effort this scheme would not have achieved the PiPA (Planning Inclusive Play Areas) accreditation or be the park it is.
Play provision in the District is seen as a family activity and equipment, space and provision actively encourage participation from all family members and friends. The Council is determined to invest in the sports and recreation facilities in the community to help improve the health and wellbeing of its residents.”