Playground to open outside heritage centre

A natural playground is being built in a country park after receiving £150,000 in funding.

The new park is being constructed at the the Land of Oak & Iron heritage centre within the Derwent Walk Country Park in Gateshead.

It has been designed in keeping with the area's natural surroundings and will include a wooden climbing frame, swings and a roundabout.

Chris Watson, from Groundwork NE & Cumbria, which owns the centre, said the playground would allow more "family-focused" events to take place.

"We host many wonderful events and activities at the centre, from seasonal children's trails and school holiday activities to music events, creative workshops and heritage talks," he said.

"This new natural play park will be an exciting addition, which we hope will attract more families, and allow us to host more family-focused activities in the safe environment of the heritage centre."

The Land of Oak & Iron promotes the local woodland as well as the area's heritage of British sword making and iron and steel production.

Visitors were asked for their views on what should be added to the centre and a children's play park was the most popular recommendation.

The playground's equipment will be installed in time for the school summer holidays in July and will be placed on top of turf, rather than synthetic flooring, to fit in with the natural landscaping.

The £150,000 investment was provided through the government's Shared Prosperity Fund.

John McElroy, cabinet member for environment and transport at Gateshead Council, said the playground would give more children access to green space and the "associated physical and mental health benefits this delivers".

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