Burntwood Park has completed three improvement projects designed to make the park more welcoming and inclusive for people of all ages. The new facilities include a teen hangout area with seating and swinging hammocks, an accessible picnic bench and two interactive play panels.
How the improvements were funded
The teen hangout area was delivered through a £3,000 social value contribution from planning consultancy LUC, alongside UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) money. The accessible picnic bench and two interactive play panels were installed through Lichfield District Council's Clean and Green programme, using funding allocated by ward councillors Kathy Coe, Michael Galvin and Sharon Banevicius from the Summerfield and All Saints ward allocation.
What the new spaces offer
The teen hangout area provides young people with a dedicated space to meet, relax and socialise. It also supports positive engagement with the council's Parks team, Active Lichfield and local neighbourhood policing teams. The accessible picnic bench and play panels were chosen to make Burntwood Park more inclusive and accessible for local families.
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks and Waste, said the new facilities ensure there is something for everyone to enjoy, from young people meeting spaces to more inclusive facilities for families and extra play opportunities for children.
Taran Livingston, Director of Planning at LUC, said the investment reflects the importance of high-quality green spaces in supporting health, wellbeing and community connections, particularly for young people.
