Cannock Chase Council is reviewing several of its play areas to ensure they remain safe, accessible and fit for purpose. The review focuses on five locations:

• Bevan Lee Play Area
• Wright's Avenue Play Area
• Bunyan Place Play Area
• Betty's Lane Play Area
• Oxford Road Play Area

We want every resident to have a meaningful opportunity to help shape what these spaces could become in the future.

Why we’re reviewing play areas

Many of our play areas have served communities for decades. However, some sites are now old, under used or no longer meet modern safety and accessibility standards. Evidence shows that quality of play provision has a greater impact on children’s wellbeing than quantity.

This review helps us understand how residents use these spaces today - and how they would like them to be used in the future.

What this programme aims to achieve

We are committed to delivering safe, exciting, inclusive and high quality spaces that support physical activity, play, health and wellbeing. Our objectives are to:

• Inform residents about why changes may be needed
• Engage communities to understand current use
• Consult on proposals for improvement or repurposing
• Reassure families that wellbeing, safety and inclusion are central
• Build trust through transparency and regular updates
• Demonstrate impact by showing how community feedback shapes final decisions

What could change?

Some sites may be improved or repurposed into new community spaces. Potential benefits include new health enhancing spaces such as:

• Outdoor fitness areas
• Nature and biodiversity zones
• Community gardens
• Safe cycling/scooter tracks
• Social and community spaces

How to get involved

The Council undertook the first stage of public consultation during the summer to gather feedback on the future of play spaces across Cannock Chase. Residents were invited to share their views to help shape proposals for future investment and improvements. The feedback received is now being reviewed and will help inform the next stages of the project and future decision-making.

Consultation update

The public consultation on the future of these five play spaces across Cannock Chase has now closed. Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their views and feedback. The results of the consultation are currently being reviewed and will be published on this page shortly. A report setting out the findings and recommendations will also be presented to Cabinet in due course, with the report and associated papers available to view once published.