Prudhoe Playpark reopens following refurbishment
27 Nov 2020 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news
A children’s playpark in Prudhoe has reopened to the public following a £90,500 refurbishment, undertaken by Northumberland County Council.
The play park next to Prudhoe Waterworld and previously managed by Active Northumberland now boasts new and refurbished play equipment, a new rubber safety surface and a smart and secure perimeter fence.
The new equipment includes swings for all ages, a new wider and safer slide, a wheelchair accessible roundabout and a mounted spring play vehicle.
An important part of the park is that it will be accessible to both able and less able-bodied children. The new play equipment was chosen in consultation with Prudhoe Town Council and with the enthusiastic help of local youth groups Happy Faces and Tanga Club to ensure the new play features will appeal to a variety of young people.
Local ward councillor for Prudhoe South, Gordon Stewart said:
“I am delighted that substantial investment has been made into this playpark, which will be enjoyed by many local families for years to come.
“It will also be welcomed by visitors to the town, therefore supporting local businesses and employment opportunities. A playpark to be very Proud of Prudhoe about'.”
The county council has been working alongside Prudhoe Town Council and Active Northumberland with all parties committed to securing the long-term future of the play area which has been closed since summer 2019 for safety reasons.
It is now intended that Prudhoe Town Council will take on responsibility for the management and maintenance of the play area from April 2021.
Mayor of Prudhoe Town Council, Cllr Tracy Gilmore said:
“It is wonderful when local organisations can work together to agree action on projects that benefit the whole community. Prudhoe Waterworld has always been an extremely popular play area with families and the Town Council asked to be involved when it closed for safety reasons in 2019. Forces have worked against all those involved, but their dedication to the scheme has paid off and we are sure everyone will have a ‘whale’ of a time, now the play area is open.”
Northumberland County Councillor, Jeff Watson, cabinet member for healthy lives said:
“We are pleased that the work to replace all of the play surfaces and equipment is now complete and has given this important community asset a new lease of life so it can be reopened safely for our youngest residents and visitors.
“With so many indoor activities and the rising use of technology it is so important to have a go-to place like this where children can socialise, let off steam in the fresh air and exercise at the same time. I am sure the children of Prudhoe and the surrounding area will get hours of enjoyment from the park and build many happy memories within it.”