The group started in 2011 because Cannock Chase Council wanted to gain a Heritage Lottery bid, which they achieved. The council assisted by The Friends of Hednesford Park successfully obtained a Heritage Lottery Fund Grant of £2.2M as part of the improvements to the park and war memorial.
New toddler/junior, senior play areas and ball court have been built, the toddler/junior area are located adjacent the pavilion on one of the former bowling greens. The senior play area & ball court including a skate park are located to the west of the bowling greens and tennis courts.
The group have a strong focus on engaging young people and are really proud that they spoke to all local youth groups, nurseries and schools. They worked at a level that the children could all understand to get their insight on what they wanted in their new park. Everything they asked for they got in the park.
Lots more has happened since then. They are a dementia-friendly park, town and community. They have the Cannock Chase Dementia Action Alliance’s meetings in Hednesford Park. They are the base of the Cannock Chase Mental Health Hub. They recently became an organic hub for the national charity Time to Change, their website is Friends of Hednesford Park.
