Bespoke play equipmement, growing space and a dedicated dog walking area feature on plans for Romano Park

An impressive bespoke play feature item, community growing space and a dedicated dog walking area all feature on a final plan for improvements to Romano Park in Ingleby Barwick.

The scheme includes a programme of updates and repairs to the parks existing play area, including the installation of a bespoke play feature item, accessible trampolines, a basket swing and a 'buddy bench'.

Overall park improvements also include providing better access to the nature reserve woodland area, new tree planting to the existing footpaths and cycle route. A hard-standing area is also included so that opportunities for food and drink concessions can be explored.

The extension of Romano Park on the large, open area to the south of All Saint's Academy will benefit from new CCTV and a community growing area that will provide direct access from the school for young people to enjoy as well as the wider community.

The items are part of the final plan of areas for redevelopment and improvement in Romano Park following feedback from a public consultation in the summer.

The plans reflect the priorities identified in the consultation. The below themes were identified as being of importance to users of the park and residents in the area:

• a need for accessible play equipment for children of all abilities and backgrounds.
• provision of a garden or sensory play area.
• new trees, planting, seating and benches
• support for retaining and enhancing green space in the park
• improvements to the existing Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)
• a dedicated dog walking area
• improved park infrastructure, wayfinding and security measures

A consultation with local schoolchildren also took place, whose drawings and ideas helped shape the final design of a dragon themed play item to feature in the play area.

The scheme is part of the Council's Town Centres Investment Programme, with an aim to bring further improvements to Ingleby Barwick to create more high-quality spaces and open leisure facilities for both residents and visitors to enjoy.

The procurement process for delivery of the improvements is underway, with work due to begin on site in February 2023

Councillor Nigel Cooke, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Housing, said:  "These improvements to Romano Park combine with recent Council investment in the likes of IB Leisure and roadwork improvements in the area to play an important part in serving the community.

"They will also ensure residents have access to enjoy new ways of leading and active and healthy lifestyle and promote new uses in our town centres.

"After a very constructive consultation with people of all ages across the town, I'm looking forward to seeing how the final plans for the park develop into something that is really beneficial to the community."

The programme of upgrades and repairs to the existing play area are expected to begin in Spring 2023. The wider park improvements will begin after the play area works are completed.

View full overview of the plans on Ingleby Barwick

The plans are also available for residents and visitors to view in-person in IB Leisure from Thursday 5 January until Friday 20 January.