Revamped play park officially opened for children and families to enjoy
“The park creates a welcoming, accessible and inclusive space for local children and families to enjoy for years to come”
Families in Hetton can now enjoy a revitalised play park and games court at Deepdale Street, following a major redevelopment designed to create a better space for the local community.
The play park has been transformed and given a new lease of life, creating a modern, inclusive space where children and young people of all ages and abilities can play, exercise and socialise.
The redeveloped park includes a range of new and refurbished equipment, including swings, climbing equipment and slide alongside a refurbished ball game court.
The project was designed and delivered by playground specialist Streetscape, which also partnered with Gentoo on the successful redevelopment of Blackies Park on Fordfield Road, which reopened earlier this year.
Located next to Gentoo's Eskdene Rise development, the park investment forms part of the Gentoo’s commitment to “support thriving communities and create places where people are proud to live”.
Joanne Gordon, Development and Regeneration Director at Gentoo said: "We are delighted to see the transformation of Deepdale Street Play Park completed. The park has been completely revitalised, creating a welcoming, accessible and inclusive space for local children and families to enjoy for years to come.
“This investment demonstrates our commitment to improving neighbourhoods alongside delivering much-needed affordable homes. We hope the new facilities will encourage more outdoor activity, play and social interaction for residents of all ages and is enjoyed by customers at Eskdene Rise and the further Hetton community for years to come.”
The opening ceremony was attended by Sunderland City Council’s Cllr Andrew Ramsey, portfolio holder for Corporate Services and Local Government Efficiency.
Cllr Ramsey said: “It was a great pleasure to attend the opening of Deepdale Street Park. To see such an immediate impact in the local community, especially during the Summer Holidays, was a privilege, and a joy.
“I hope families can benefit from the new investment, and enjoy time together, and make memories for years to come. We’re grateful to our partners for delivering such a vital community asset to the local area, and we look forward to further cooperative work.”
Gentoo celebrated the opening alongside local families, councillors, and partners from Streetscape with residents enjoying free ice cream and refreshments as they explored their new play park.
Cllr Joanne Lloyd, Hetton Town Councillor and local resident added: "It was fantastic to attend the re-opening of Deepdale Street Park and even better to see so many local children and families enjoying the new play area, which really showed just how much the park means to local families."
Eskdene Rise, delivered in partnership with Adderstone Living, has provided 86 new affordable homes in the area.