Bloxwich & Leamore Parks Regeneration

About the project

Walsall Council tasked MAC Groundworks with upgrading two well-used public parks: Bloxwich Park including the Memorial Gardens (Pat Collins) and Leamore Park. The Council wanted safer routes, upgraded play areas, improved accessibility and long-lasting surfacing and landscaping.

The brief included new play equipment, resin-bound, impact-absorbing and asphalt surfacing, a Golden Mile walking route, and durable furniture and lighting. Works had to be delivered around mature trees, established pathways and community features, while keeping both parks partially open throughout the programme.

Project Works Completed

Groundworks

• Removal of existing play equipment, outdated surfacing and worn pathways
• Excavation and preparation of sub-bases across the new play area and routes to achieve precise levels and drainage
• Protective fencing and protective measures added for trees, monuments and existing street furniture

Civil Works

• Installation of new drainage runs with connections to existing networks
• New kerbs, edging and concrete foundations to support equipment and pathways
• Reprofiling of levels to improve water flow and reduce future maintenance needs

Surfacing

• New asphalt routes for safer, smoother access
• Impact-absorbing wet pour surrfacing for a safer, more durable play area
• Resin-bound surfacing to provide accessible, long-lasting finishes

Landscaping

• Low-maintenance planting and improved grass areas
• Retention and protection of mature trees to maintain the park’s character

Play Area Improvements

• Construction of the Pat Collins funfair themed children’s play area
• Inclusive play equipment installed on engineered bases
• Removal of dense hedging for improved visibility and layout

Additional Features

• Solar lighting added to improve safety and sustainability whilst fitting in with the park’s surroundings
• Durable, anti-vandal street furniture and cycle stands to support long-term community use

Challenges and Solutions

Working within two public parks that remained open throughout required disciplined safety management. The team used secure fencing, clear signage, temporary routes and daily inspections to protect visitors. Programme sequencing was adapted to suit weather conditions and equipment availability, ensuring continuous progress with minimal disruption.

Sustainability and Social Value

We delivered a range of sustainability and social value benefits across the project, including:

• Reuse of suitable existing base materials
• Protection of mature trees and existing planting
• Long-life surfacing and low-maintenance landscaping to reduce future upkeep
• KOMPAN Made Green and Born Green equipment manufactured with high recycled content
• Improved accessibility – removing the need for residents to travel to alternative parks
• Themed play areas to encourage active, social, and imaginative play, supporting physical and mental wellbeing
• Local employment opportunities and voluntary litter picking carried out by the team

Final Results and Feedback

These improvements represent long-term investment in creating accessible, well-maintained community spaces that support healthier and more active lifestyles.
Both parks now provide safer pathways, modern themed play areas and welcoming landscaped areas for the community to enjoy. The improvements encourage everyday exercise, social play and family use, with clearer sightlines and better lighting to increase confidence in using the parks throughout the year.

Walsall Council described the upgraded parks as “welcoming and well used”, and residents have commented that the spaces now feel safer, greener and more suitable for families. MAC Groundworks is proud to have delivered durable, long-term improvements that support community wellbeing across Bloxwich and Leamore.

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