Residents are invited to discover, enjoy and celebrate our beautiful parks this summer as Love Parks Week returns from 24 July to 2 August.
The national campaign celebrates the vital role parks and green spaces play in supporting communities, wildlife and people’s health and wellbeing.
Throughout the week, Lichfield District Council will be shining a spotlight on the district’s parks through social media, sharing fascinating stories about their history, biodiversity, hidden gems and the dedicated staff and volunteers who help care for them.
The celebrations will also include a programme of free events for families and nature lovers.
One of the highlights of the week is Footy Kit Day at Beacon Park from 9.30am on Wednesday 29 July, where children wearing their football kit can enjoy free Adventure Golf throughout the day.
Between 11.30am and 2.30pm, volunteers from Centrica will be running a range of football-themed activities including football crafts - making footballer finger puppets and a paper plate football - a keepy-uppy challenge, beat the goalie and panna football.
Children wearing football kit can also enjoy free ice lollies while stocks last courtesy of Lakeside Bistro, and there are prizes up for grabs for the top keepy-uppy scorers, including, a drink, cake and a bucket and spade also courtesy of Lakeside Bistro together with a free round of Adventure Golf.
The council is thanking the team of volunteers from Centrica for generously giving their time to help make the event possible.
Visitors can also take part in a series of Wildlife Discovery Days at parks across the district during Love Parks Week. Led by the council’s Parks Team, these relaxed, family-friendly sessions invite people of all ages to explore local wildlife, record the plants and animals they spot, and learn more about the biodiversity on their doorstep. No experience is needed, and everyone is welcome.
Catherine Prosser, Labour Strategy & Performance Improvement Manager at Centrica, said:
“We’re really pleased to be supporting Love Parks Week and helping to bring a free, family-friendly event to Beacon Park. Centrica gives colleagues the opportunity to take two paid volunteering days each year, and as a team we felt this was a great way to come together, give back, and support a community that has strong local connections for several members of our recruitment team.”
Love Parks Week comes as four of the district’s much-loved parks and green spaces have been recognised with prestigious Green Flag Awards. Beacon Park and Burntwood Park have retained their Green Flag status, while Princes Park and Stowe Pool & Fields have received the award for the first time.
The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces, recognising places that are welcoming, well maintained and well managed, while supporting the environment, biodiversity and their local communities.
Throughout the year, the council’s Parks Team works alongside volunteers and community groups to care for parks and green spaces across the district, helping to protect and enhance these important places for residents, visitors and local wildlife.
Councillor Phil Whitehouse, Cabinet Member for Operational Services, Parks & Waste, said:
“We’re incredibly proud to manage and care for 72 parks and open spaces across Lichfield District, providing places for people to enjoy nature, get active, spend time with family and friends, or simply relax.
“This year, we’re especially proud to see four of our parks and green spaces recognised among some of the best in the UK with prestigious Green Flag Awards. It’s a fantastic reflection of the hard work and care that goes into looking after these special places throughout the year, from our dedicated Parks Team to the volunteers and community groups who give their time to support them.
“Love Parks Week is a great opportunity to celebrate everything our parks have to offer. We’re delighted to be hosting a range of free activities and invite residents to come along, explore their local green spaces and get involved. We’d also like to thank the volunteers from Centrica for supporting Footy Kit Day and helping us create a fun and memorable event for local families.”
Throughout Love Parks Week, residents can also follow Lichfield District Council's social media channels to discover more about the district’s parks.
For full event details and timings, visit the Visit Lichfield events calendar.