New and improved play areas in Sunderland's West area

An overall investment of £203,000 has been made into upgrading play and urban games facilities at Hylton Road Playing Fields, East Herrington, Barnes Park, Silksworth Recreation Park, Grindon Lane, King George V and Thorney Close.

Brambledown Landscape Services Ltd worked on behalf of Sunderland City Council to upgrade play equipment and safety surfacing, and install new swings, inclusive springies, roundabouts and seating.

Funding for the work includes £120,000 from the Neighbourhood Fund, with Additional £3,000 Community Chest and £24,000 Section 106 funding for King George Playing Fields Wheeled Sports Park.

Work is also scheduled to be carried out at Portsmouth Road play area and King George Playing Fields Wheeled Sports Park.

Thorney Close, Silksworth Recreation Park, Barnes Park, East Herrington Park, King George Playing fields, Hylton Road Playing fields have benefitted from the upgraded outdoor gym equipment, as part of the council's commitment to helping residents live more healthy lives.

Chair of the West Area Committee, Councillor Peter Gibson, said: "During the Let's Talk Sunderland discussions, our residents told us they want to see free exercise facilities and improved community spaces.

"The West Area Committee discussed this with Public Health and the CCG and decided to jointly fund and install this fantastic outdoor gym equipment in six areas across the west.

"I am delighted to see the first play parks up and running, and I hope residents will enjoy this new addition to the West Area of Sunderland."

The Outdoor Gym equipment were funded by £155k, with £40,000 from the CCG, £25,000 from Public Health and West Area Committee, £25,000 from the Neighbourhood Fund and £65,000 from the Neighbourhood Capital Investment Programme.