Work to transform Romano Park begins
Improvement works to Romano Park in Ingleby Barwick have begun, including repairs and upgrades to the existing play area and installation of a new 'dragon fort'.
The bespoke 'dragon fort' play equipment, which was developed with input from local schoolchildren, a new basket swing and repairs and replacement of existing items in the play area will help to create a key visitor attraction as part of the town's leisure offer.
A community growing area on the site and a planting scheme with trees, shrubs and benches are also part of the overall improvements. There will also be better access to the platform near the Barwick Pond nature reserve and a re-marking of the Multi Use Games Area, which will allow children and young people to play various types of sports.
The growing area will allow direct access from All Saints Academy school for young people to enjoy as well as wider community groups.
In line with the Council's ambition to make the Borough's parks more inclusive for as many families as possible, the park will also include three new in-ground trampolines, accessible features on the 'dragon fort' play item and a new sensory trail with musical instruments.
The work, which will take place in two phases and will be complete by the late autumn, is part of the Council's town centres investment programme, ensuring they are vibrant places and fit for future generations.
Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing at Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council, said: "It's great to see the plans for Romano Park become a reality to enable our young people and their families to get outside and enjoy the open space in a safe environment.
"I am really looking forward to seeing the work progress and in particular, improvement to make it a high-quality play area that will be another fantastic addition to the leisure offering in Ingleby Barwick.
"The existing park was looking tired and needed replacing so it's great to see this to help add to the offering for locals and visitors alike.
"The town has benefited from significant Council investment over the years such as the creation of the nearby IB Leisure Centre and the work to Romano Park is yet another development which will only enhance its offering."
As part of the scheme, improved signage, replacement litter bins, additional benches and CCTV cameras are also being installed, as well as an extension of the hard standing surfacing around the existing war memorial so that pop-up food and beverage concessions can be explored.
The improvements are a result of the 'Let's Talk About Our Towns' public consultation that took place in 2020. The consultation showed support for more community leisure facilities, parks and gardens, as well as activities for young people.
The Council worked with pupils at Myton Park Primary School, St Therese Primary School and Winstone Primary School to come up with ideas that would create a stand-out play area for families to enjoy.
New swings, a dragon theme and trampolines were just some of the ideas that children created and drew up to help shape the plans.
Contractor BCE Northern Ltd have been appointed to carry out the works. The majority of improvements will take place in phase one, with the installation of the feature play item and improved signage to take place later this year.
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