Revamped play park's on the up and up
Jun 4 2009 by Linda Richards, The Journal
CHILDREN have flocked in their thousands to a revamped play area.
Since the park in Engine Lane, Low Fell, Gateshead, re-opened, it has proved a magnet to local youngsters.
And tomorrow Gateshead Mayor John Eagle will officially launch the attraction, which features ‘natural’ play equipment that helps children learn about the real world.
At the event, children will take part in tepee and den-building activities.
Since construction was completed at Easter, Engine Lane Park has seen an estimated 3,000 children through its gates.
The equipment is constructed entirely from natural materials including a large wooden pirate ship, a tree house, mounds, a tunnel, a singing stone and a sand play area.
Local parent Joanna Lyons added: “The park is now such a lively, thoroughly enjoyable, imaginative play experience. It is truly a place that brings our community together and seems to be full no matter what time of day or evening you go.
“I have found that the older groups of teenagers mix well with the parents and younger children. It is great to see groups of children from different schools playing together.”
The park is one of 22 in Gateshead set to receive new and more stimulating play equipment by the end of 2011 as part of a £1.2m package. Six have already been completed.
