Visitors to Burntwood Park can now use a new teen hangout, an accessible picnic bench and two interactive play panels following the completion of three improvement projects.

The additions have been installed at the park on Elder Lane using a combination of social value funding, the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Lichfield District Council's Clean and Green programme.

New space for teenagers

The dedicated teen area includes seating and swinging hammocks, giving young people a place to meet, relax and spend time outdoors.

New tic-tac-toe interactive play panel at Burntwood Park
Councillor Kathy Coe, community gardener Paul Niven and Councillor Phil Whitehouse with one of the interactive play panels. Image: Lichfield District Council.

It was supported by a £3,000 social value contribution from planning consultancy LUC through its Our Community Can programme, alongside funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

Lichfield District Council said the space would also support engagement between young people and services including its Parks team, Active Lichfield and local neighbourhood policing teams.

Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Councillor Kathy Coe and Paul Niven beside the accessible picnic bench at Burntwood Park
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Councillor Kathy Coe and community gardener Paul Niven with the new accessible picnic bench. Image: Lichfield District Council.

Taran Livingston, director of planning at LUC, said: "Access to high-quality green spaces plays an important role in supporting health, wellbeing and community connections, and it's particularly encouraging to see investment in facilities designed for young people.

"We hope the new teen hangout area helps create more opportunities for local teenagers to spend time outdoors, connect with one another and enjoy the park."

Accessible bench and play panels

An accessible picnic bench and two interactive play panels were funded separately through the council's Clean and Green programme.

Ward councillors Kathy Coe, Michael Galvin and Sharon Banevicius allocated funding from their Summerfield and All Saints ward allocation for the improvements.

Councillor Kathy Coe said: "We wanted to choose improvements that would make a practical difference for families using the park, particularly around accessibility and play.

"It's lovely to see them now in place and ready for residents to enjoy."

Councillor Phil Whitehouse, cabinet member for operational services, parks and waste, said the facilities would help ensure there was something for everyone at the park.

He said: "These new facilities are fantastic additions to Burntwood Park and will help ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy, whether that's somewhere for young people to meet, more inclusive facilities for families or extra play opportunities for children.

"It's particularly pleasing that these improvements have been delivered through a combination of funding sources and partnerships."

The new facilities are now open at Burntwood Park on Elder Lane.