Wooler’s Scotts Play Park re-opens with inclusive re-vamp
15 Aug 2025
A popular play park in Wooler is re-opening following a major facelift which has made it accessible and inclusive to all.
The much-loved Scotts Play Park has been transformed following a £150,000 refurbishment, bringing new life to the space that has served local families for many decades.
The park has been completely revitalised with brand new inclusive play equipment.
New features include a Ninja trail including balance beams, a net bridge and wobble board. There is a new ability trampoline which is set into the ground, a big climbing unit which also has ramp access, a sensory musical play panel and a fully inclusive roundabout that takes wheelchairs.
The existing and popular Zip wire, swings and wheelchair swing are still there.
There are improved paths connecting the play park, skate park and football area and the existing toilet block has been redeveloped providing an accessible toilet and changing area, equipped for all ages and abilities.
Funding for the £150,000 scheme has come from Northumberland County Council as part of a package of investment to improve Wooler’s visitor infrastructure, Wooler Parish Council to improve the toilet block and a contribution from Ward Councillor Mark Mather’s Members Local Improvement Schemes allowance.
Once work commenced 176 World War II practice bombs were discovered under the park and the County Council agreed to fund an additional £40k to cover the cost of having these removed by a specialist firm to enable the scheme to proceed.
Local Ward Councillor Mark Mather said: “I’d like to thank Northumberland County Council for their continued support for this scheme and for agreeing to cover the extra and substantial cost of removing the practice bombs that were left after World War II. This was essential to enable the scheme to go-ahead.
“Scotts Park has always been really popular with local children who spend many hours playing together and enjoying being outdoors.
“It is great to see the park revitalised with a new look and an exciting range of inclusive equipment. The scheme has been a real partnership effort and shows what we can achieve when we all work together.
“It’s now a space that local and visiting children, of all abilities can enjoy.”
Leader of Northumberland County Councillor Glen Sanderson said: “We are so pleased to be reopening the playpark in time for it to be enjoyed over the summer months. It’s a little bit later than planned unfortunately but no one could have foreseen that below the surface it was full of practice bombs left over from World War II, which added an element of surprise and widespread interest to the scheme.
“It’s very rewarding to see the finished playground transformed, open and filled with happy children.
“The county council has made significant investment in Wooler – for Ad Gefrin Museum and Whiskey Distillery, for improved car parking and refurbished public toilets. This recent investment into the play park is another important part of the regeneration of the town.”
The equipment and facilities in Scott’s Park will now fall under the ownership of Wooler Parish Council including the responsibility for its maintenance and management.
Ellie Bell, Chair of Wooler Parish Council said: “Play parks and equipment have evolved over the years and Scott’s park, although a much-loved playground, was dated and in need of a re-fresh.
“It is important that all children, no matter what their abilities, have the freedom to be able to play safely in an outdoor environment. The park will now offer a really fantastic play experience, and I am sure it will be more popular than ever.”