The new addition, however, is just one in a wave of ongoing improvements totalling £1.6million at the Victorian park, which is owned by Sunderland City Council. Here’s what else is happening at the seafront park, which dates back to 1880, from improving planting schemes to restoring its landmark buildings.
5. New signage
New welcome signs were installed at every park entrance in the city this year, including Roker Park. This year Roker won the Green Flag award again, alongside four other parks around the city. Photo: National World
6. Water feature improvements
As part of the ongoing works, there has already been restoration of water features in the park including the waterfall and the boating lake. The Fairy Dell Stream pumps were also refurbished. Photo: National world
7. Pathways
There have been numerous repairs and renewals of the footpaths through the park, funded in part from the Parks & Open Spaces Fund. In the last three years, the ornamental lamp columns throughout the park were renewed with traditional style Victorian light fittings, but still utilising low energy LED technology. Photo: National World
8. Ruhe cafe
This summer saw the opening of the new Ruhe cafe and coffee shop in the shadow of the bandstand. Serving food and drink for both sit in and takeaway, it's already proving popular, serving more than 1000 customers in its opening weekend. Photo: National world