Thank you to everyone who took the time to share their thoughts on the proposed improvements to Cannock Park. Your feedback has played a vital role in shaping the development of the site.
We are pleased to confirm that the final design for the brand new play area is now available to download here.

Play Area Update

Work on the new play area will begin week commencing 16 June 2025, with completion expected by 8 August 2025. An official opening event is being planned, and full details will be published shortly.

This new facility is part of a wider programme of improvements approved by Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet in December 2023.

Phase One improvements include:

• A brand new play area
• Resurfacing and extending footpaths from Park Road through to Shoal Hill Common and Cardinal Griffin Catholic School, with lighting in selected areas
• Drainage improvements to the brook, including new grilles and gates
• Upgraded footpaths throughout the park for improved access and usability
• Boundary and access enhancements, including new CCTV, lighting, gate improvements, and wildlife-friendly fencing
• Refurbishments to the rose garden
• New street furniture, including benches, bins, and display boards

All works are scheduled to be completed by summer 2025.

Help Name the Dinosaur!

A new dinosaur sculpture has recently been installed in the rose garden — and we need your help to name it! Read the full press release here.

We're inviting children and families to take part in our "Name the Dinosaur" competition.

Deadline for entries: 19 July 2025
Email your suggestions to: parksandopenspaces@cannockchasedc.gov.uk 

The winning name will be revealed at the park's official reopening event. Get creative and send us your best ideas!

Cannock Park Masterplan – Consultation Results

Earlier this year, we invited residents to give their views on the proposed Cannock Park Masterplan, which outlines potential long-term improvements to the park.

The consultation period has now ended. Thank you to everyone who took part and helped shape the vision for Cannock Park’s future.

The results of the consultation are now available to view here and below. 

Further updates on Phase Two and the overall project will be shared as the work progresses.

If you need help accessing the information or submitting future feedback, please contact the Parks and Open Spaces team.

Cannock Park Masterplan.pdf

Cannock Park Survey Results .pdf

Cannock Chase Council is pleased to announce that the new skatepark and learn-to-ride area at Cannock Stadium are now fully open to the public.

Following extensive community consultation on the design of the new skate facility, we’d like to thank everyone who took part and shared feedback during the three design phases. Your input has played a key role in shaping a space that is inclusive, engaging, and suitable for users of all ages and abilities.

About the Project

The final design was developed by Canvas Spaces, the specialist contractor appointed to deliver the project. Construction began in April 2024, and the completed facilities are now ready to be enjoyed by skaters, BMX riders, scooter users, and young cyclists alike.

Design Highlights

The skatepark has been thoughtfully created to balance the needs of beginners and experienced users:

• Low-level features encourage younger or less experienced users to participate confidently and develop their skills.
• More technical elements provide progression opportunities for experienced skaters and riders.
• A dedicated low-speed area ensures safe use and allows for simultaneous participation by users of different skill levels.
• The learn-to-ride zone is ideal for young cyclists just starting out in a safe and accessible environment.

Canvas Spaces shared their confidence in the design’s success, stating:

“At the heart of the design is space, engagement and interest for varied abilities. Our expert opinion is that this will be an extremely successful facility, meeting the needs of the project brief and enjoyed for many years to come.”

View the Design

You can view the final design layout here: skatepark visualisation.pdf

Cannock Chase Council is pleased to announce that new improvements are coming soon to Heath Hayes Park.

This popular local green space will benefit from a range of enhancements as part of the Council’s ongoing commitment to improving parks and play areas across the district.

What’s Happening?

• Recent tree planting has already taken place, helping to improve biodiversity and contribute to the Council’s climate change and sustainability objectives.
• A new masterplan for the park is currently being developed, which will shape the future of the site and guide further improvements.
• A new and inclusive play area is also being planned to better serve local children and families.

Have Your Say

Community engagement is a key part of the process. Public consultation on the new masterplan and play area will begin in July 2025, and local residents will be invited to give feedback and help shape the plans.

Stay Updated

More details and updates will be shared shortly via the Council’s website and social media channels.

Together, we’re working to make Heath Hayes Park a vibrant, welcoming, and accessible space for all.

Works to the park and play area at the Cema - Chapel Street Park in Norton Canes have now been completed.

The community of Norton Canes can now enjoy their new green space and make the most of the newly installed circular pathway with green gym equipment as well as a new play area for children and families. When accessing the park, visitors will be greeted with beautiful pieces of entrance artwork that depict the history of the site. 

In December 2019, Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet approved the spending of £120,000 to improve the play area and open space at The Cema – Chapel Street Park in Norton Canes. The money has been allocated from Section 106 funds collected from housing developments in the village.

Find out more about the new improvements made to the Cema here.

We are pleased to announce that improvement works to the play area at Wellington Drive in Cannock have now been completed, and the new park is officially open to the public.

In June 2022, Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet approved a £168,000 investment to refurbish the existing play area on the Wellington Drive site. This project was funded using Section 106 contributions from local housing developments in the Cannock South Ward.

What’s New?

The play area, which had not been updated since 2001, has undergone a full transformation to create a modern, inclusive, and accessible space for children and families. Key improvements include:

• A fully accessible and inclusive play area with modern, engaging equipment
• New hard-surfaced footpaths to improve access for pushchairs and wheelchairs
• Relocation of the grass kickabout area
• Installation of a new site access barrier
• Tree planting to support the Council’s climate change agenda

The play area now features a woodland and nature-themed design, delivered by Kompan, the appointed contractor for the project.

Community Engagement

Resident feedback played a vital role in shaping the final design. Engagement activities included:

• An initial feedback leaflet distributed in November 2022 to nearby households
• A second consultation phase in February 2023 to gather views on the proposed design
• On-site banners displayed throughout the project to keep residents informed

Thank you to everyone who took part in the consultation and helped influence the final outcome.

Visit the New Park

We invite residents and visitors to come and enjoy the new Wellington Drive play area. Whether you're looking for a fun family outing or a peaceful green space, the refurbished park offers something for everyone.

Wellington Drive feedback responses - phase 1 .pdf (72.02 KB)

Wellington Drive Play Area Design - phase 2 .pdf (3.97 MB)

We’re delighted to announce that the redevelopment of the Laburnum Avenue Recreational Area in Cannock has now been completed, transforming the space into a vibrant, inclusive and engaging area for families and residents to enjoy.

In September 2022, Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet approved over £385,000 in funding for significant improvements to the play areas and open space at Laburnum Avenue. This investment has been made possible through Section 106 contributions from nearby housing developments.

What’s New?

The existing play area, which was last partially refurbished in 2005, has been completely revitalised. Prior to the works, the site included limited play equipment and lacked full accessibility. Now, the site boasts a wide range of upgraded features including:

• A fully refurbished and inclusive play area with new, high-quality equipment
• Improved access paths and landscaping
• Enhancements to the existing natural features, including the pond, wetland, stream and rising brook
• A rejuvenated football pitch and grassed kickabout area

Augmented Reality Trail – Explore with a Twist!

As an exciting new feature, the site now includes an Augmented Reality (AR) Trail through the woodland area – a fun and interactive way for children and families to engage with the environment. Using a smartphone or tablet, visitors can follow the trail and unlock digital experiences that blend nature with technology.

Download the Cannock Chase Can for free on Google Play or the App Store and search for 'Tales of Laburnum Avenue' under the Move Well or Naturally Well sections of the App.

Make sure to give it a try on your next visit! 

Community Involvement

Thank you to everyone who contributed to the development of this space. Community engagement played a vital role in shaping the final design. Feedback was gathered through surveys, events, and “Planning for Real” activities, all of which informed the project plans.

You can still view the approved designs and consultation results here:

Laburnum Avenue Overview

Laburnum Avenue - Dynamic and Swinging 

Laburnum Avenue - Sensory, Climbing and Sports 

Laburnum Avenue site plan .pdf (2.32 MB)

Laburnum Avenue - Planning for Real responses .pdf (74.88 KB)

Laburnum Avenue - Survey responses .pdf (500.97 KB) 

We are pleased to confirm that improvement works to the Barnard Way play area in Cannock have now been successfully completed, and the new and improved site is open for all to enjoy.

In January 2023, Cannock Chase Council’s Cabinet approved funding of £88,000 for the refurbishment of this well-used play area. The project was funded through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions from the Cannock East Ward, following significant housing developments in the area over the past five years.

Ward Members identified this site, which borders Barnard Way and Cannock Road, as a priority for investment to better serve local families and young children.

In addition to the CIL funding, a contribution of £8,750 was generously donated by The Forest of Mercia Community Interest Company (CIC) to support new tree and shrub planting on site.

Key Improvements

The original equipment dated back to 1991 and lacked inclusive play options. The site has now been fully upgraded with:

• A brand new, inclusive and accessible play area with a variety of equipment
• New hard-surfaced footpaths to improve access for all users
• Tree and shrub planting, contributing to local biodiversity and supporting the Council’s climate change and sustainability goals

Community Engagement

Local residents played an important role in shaping the improvements. In June 2023, households near the play area received leaflets and were invited to take part in a short online survey to help influence the design.

You can still view the final design document below.

Barnard Way Play Area - Design Proposal .pdf (4.67 MB)

Barnard Way Feedback Responses .pdf (94.41 KB)

We’re delighted to announce that the redevelopment of the Flaxley Road play area on the Pear Tree Estate in Rugeley is now complete, and the park is officially open to the public.

This long-anticipated transformation was made possible thanks to a £141,770 investment by Cannock Chase Council. The project has delivered a much-needed upgrade to the space, which had previously been closed due to safety concerns following vandalism.

What’s New?

The revitalised park offers a safer, greener, and more inclusive environment for local families and children to enjoy. Key improvements include:

• Accessible play equipment for children of all abilities
• A circular pathway ideal for walking, scooting, or cycling
• New seating and litter bins for added comfort and convenience
• Tree planting to enhance the green space and support environmental goals

Why it matters

The refurbishment has breathed new life into this valuable community asset, turning it into a welcoming, safe and vibrant space for residents of all ages. This project forms part of Cannock Chase Council’s wider commitment to improving play areas and open spaces across the district.

Supporting Community Involvement

As part of the ongoing care for the park, the Council is supporting the formation of a ‘Friends of Flaxley Road’ community group. This group will help look after the space and encourage local pride and involvement.
If you’d like to get involved, please contact Lynn Evans at
lynnevans@cannockchasedc.gov.uk

View the design of the new play area here.