Published: Thursday 12th August 2021 | 12.55pm
Residents living in Norton Canes have expressed their views on the proposed design for the new play area at The Cema – Chapel Street Park.
Cannock Chase Council has appointed Kompan to undertake the works to the play area and a proposed design with its equipment was presented to the local community and schools last month.
A feedback survey was also launched last month and was available to complete online via the Council’s website. Kompan also delivered a virtual session to local schools which provided an overview of the design and the details behind the theme. A total of 237 responses were received, with over 78% of respondents being under 12 years old.
The results showed that over 90% of respondents liked the new play area and the equipment proposed. The most popular piece of equipment were the swings, with 35% of respondents saying they were their favourite.
The community were asked if there was any equipment that they did not like and over 47% of respondents said no – they liked all the elements shown in the proposal.
Residents were given the opportunity to identify any equipment that they felt was missing from the proposal with a trampoline, monkey bars and a zip wire being the most popular additions.
The results also showed that some respondents felt that the proposed equipment will be more suited to younger children.
Approximately 35% of respondents also stated that they were excited about the new park and what it will bring to the local area.
The short feedback survey also asked the community about their thoughts on the new entrance way art feature that will be created and sited in the park. The most popular theme for the artworks was mining with over 39% of respondents choosing this option.
These results will now be fed back to Kompan for consideration when finalising the design for the play area.
We are now calling on the youngsters within the local community to get creative and design ideas for the entrance way art feature. Ideas should be based on things to do with Norton Canes such as nature, wildlife, canals, mining and railways.
Drawings need to be provided on a plain piece of paper and created in pencil, crayons or felt tips. Once completed, finished designs need to be dropped off at Norton Canes Library by 30 August 2021.
In addition to this, a small community involvement event will take place on Tuesday 24 August between 12noon and 3pm at the Cema. The community will have the opportunity to join in with a range of activities including willow weaving with the Forest of Mercia, arts and crafts, face painting, a treasure hunt and much more.
Councillor Adrienne Fitzgerald, Leader for Housing, Heritage & Leisure said, “Thank you to all those that have taken part in this feedback survey. Your views have provided a clear overview of what you think of the design proposal for the new play area.
“The design proposal reflects the mining history of the local area as well as providing fun and engaging equipment for children to use and experience.
“If you live in Norton Canes and use or visit the current play area and park, please encourage your little ones to get creative and contribute their ideas for the entrance way art feature. Also, pop along to the community event this summer and have an opportunity to take part in several creative activities. Your feedback and suggestions will form part of the overall design for the artworks”.
Councillor John Preece, Chairman of Norton Canes Parish Council, said: "I am really encouraged by the numbers of young people who have responded to this consultation, and I am looking forward to seeing their playground in action later in the summer.
“I would urge children and their families to take part in the competition to design an art feature marking the entrance to the Cema. Public art always creates an extra sparkle in parks and open spaces, and I'm sure the creativity of our kids will shine."
For further information about the improvement works at the Cema, please call the Parish Council on 01543 276812 or email nortoncanesparishcouncil@live.co.uk