Hednesford Park's £2m revamp is child's play

Diggers have moved on to the site to lay the foundations of the new play area and skate park as part of a five-year facelift.

The design of both facilities was developed in consultation with around 25 schools, nurseries and community groups over 70 hours of discussions.

All those contacted were given the chance to put their ideas forward in a wide variety of different media. The deigns were then passed on to the contractors who were asked to include as many views and concepts as possible.

And the public involvement did not end there. Those children involved were invited to the Civic Centre to help decide which contractor to appoint.

The new play area will include sleeper steps representing a winding wheel, reflecting the area's mining history. There will also be a 20ft(6metre)-high climbing tower, sand pit and water feature, including decking area.

Zip wires, basket swings, a toddler play area, climbing pole, rodeo boards and a teen shelter are among the equipment to be installed.

The design for the concrete skate park is still under consultation, with the last chance for people to have their say on how it will look coming on Wednesday, September 16, at Hednesford Park.

There will also be a parcour area, one of only a few in the Midlands region, along with a multi-use games area for football, basketball and net ball.

The new phase in the work is costing £200,000.

The scheme includes a refurbished pavilion featuring a community room, balcony and ground-floor café. New tennis courts and a network of footpaths around the site have already been installed.

Last February, an historic signal box dating back to the 1800s was moved to the park which has become its new permanent home.

Lynn Evans, a member of the 90-strong Friends of Hednesford Park group, said: "We're delighted at the progress of the work."

The revamp is due to be completed by 2017.