New North Marine Park play area ‘a massive improvement’ and ‘great addition’ to South Shields, say families

The Roman and maritime-themed children’s play area officially opened to the public on Tuesday, March 23, along with a ’trim’ fitness trail for teenagers and adults.

The new play park area features 16 pieces of tailor-made equipment. They include: a number of swings, ‘shipwreck’ slides, a mast, a drawbridge, a see-saw, springers, multi-play climbing frames and a wheelchair-accessible roundabout.

Parents and guardians have voiced their overwhelming satisfaction with the new play park area, with many making the most of the brighter spells over the past couple of days.

“This park is far superior to the one that was here before,” said Carol Burns, who is a lifelong resident of the area.

"It’s bigger, safer. They’ve done a really good job with it – we’ve been here every day since it’s opened.”

Louise Hudson, who lives near the seafront, told The Gazette: “It’s right on our doorstep and is ideal.

"We’ve got a two-year old, who’s missed out on a lot of socialising as a result of Covid. So it’s nice for him to get out and mix with other kids.”

“It’s a massive improvement on what was here before,” added Sarah Queenan.

"I think it’s a great addition to the area. It’s great for toddlers – somewhere for them to come and play without the older kids around.

"We come here to walk the dog, anyway. But now it’s got somewhere for kids to play as well it’s perfect.”

Visitors were particularly impressed with the overall design of the play area, noting the safety materials used in the construction and the thematic nods to the borough’s maritime heritage.

"It makes a nice change to see a park where the design’s been so well thought-through,” said Jimmy Flannery, at the park with his wife, Lana, and one of their great-grandchildren.

"The whole layout’s very impressive – it has a lot of things to it.

Christine Mason, who was at the park with three other generations of her family, said: "It’s great for them to be out here, exercising with other children and using up some of their pent-up energy after months of being inside.

"My only concern is that the park doesn’t get vandalised, after all this work that’s been put into it.”

An adult ‘trim trail’ exercise area, part of the new wellbeing offering at the park near the South Shields seafront, has also been developed.

The fitness area includes pull-up and push-up stations, bars, hurdles and a sit-up bench. The trail is designed for those aged 14 and over and can be navigated using the free Proludic Sports App.

South Tyneside Council leader Tracey Dixon has reminded residents to continue observing social-distancing measures while at the play facility, and reiterated that visitors should not be travelling in from outside the immediate area.

Support your Gazette and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest football stories and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.