Improvement works on a North East play park which will see a ‘dragon fort’ added have been completed.

The development on Romano Park in Ingleby Barwick marked its completion with the installation of the fort and climbing ‘bloqx’ on Thursday (January 11).

The additions were made following input from local schoolchildren and members of the public.

Children from the Barley Fields Primary School in Ingleby Barwick were able to use the dragon fort for the first time.

The Northern Echo:

Councillor Jim Beall, Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, said: "It's great to see the plans for Romano Park become a reality so that the Borough’s young people and their families can enjoy the open space and play equipment in a safe environment.

“The improvements provide another useful addition to the active and healthy lifestyle offer for the residents of Ingleby Barwick, alongside the new leisure centre.

“They combine with Council investment in the likes of IB Leisure Centre to play an important part in serving the community.”

The dragon’s features include a climbing wall, net and rock climber, a slide, balancing discs and intricate play panels.

Other new features added include a new basket swing, and repairs and replacement of existing items in the play area.

The park also includes three new in-ground trampolines, accessible features on the dragon fort, and a new ‘sensory trail’ with musical instruments.

A community garden has also been installed, with a planting scheme with trees, shrubs and benches.

The Northern Echo:

The growing area will allow direct access from All Saints Academy school for young people to enjoy as well as wider community groups.

There will also be better access to the platform near Barwick Pond nature reserve and a re-marking of the 'Multi Use Games Area.'

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.

Jonathan Grant, Managing Director at BCE Northern, said: “BCE Northern Ltd have been delighted to have delivered this exciting scheme in partnership with Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

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“Proactive design and careful budget management by the Council’s team has provided best value for the residents, a refreshing and encouraging approach to delivering the works.”

Paul Taylor, Area Manager at KOMPAN, said: “KOMPAN’s bespoke design service set to work and replicated the drawings provided by the children in Ingleby Barwick.

“Thank you to Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council for choosing KOMPAN to deliver this truly unique new play experience.”