'Dragon Fort' feature completes impressive upgrades to Romano Park in Ingleby Barwick

Improvement works to Romano Park in Ingleby Barwick have been completed, including a revamped play area with a unique, 'dragon fort' feature, which is the first of its kind.

The bespoke play equipment includes the unique dragon fort and climbing 'bloqx' that were developed with input from local schoolchildren and members of the public.

Young people and the Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees marked the completion of the installation of the items at the play park on Thursday 11 January to officially open the new equipment.

The children, from nearby Barley Fields Primary School in Ingleby Barwick, were on the site to use the dragon fort for the first time. The dragon's features include a climbing wall, net and rock climber, a slide, balancing discs and intricate play panels.

Other additions to the playpark include a new basket swing and repairs and replacement of existing items in the play area.

In line with the Council's ambition to make the Borough's parks more inclusive for as many families as possible, 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 on the site and a planting scheme with trees, shrubs and benches are also part of the overall improvements. 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 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 work has created a key visitor attraction as part of the town's leisure offer and is part of the Council's town centres investment programme, ensuring they are vibrant places and fit for future generations.

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."

As part of the scheme, improved signage, replacement litter bins, additional benches and CCTV cameras were also installed, as well as an extension of the hard standing surfacing around the existing war memorial so that pop-up food and beverage concession opportunities 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, climbing boulders and trampolines were just some of the ideas that children created and drew up to help shape the plans.

The play equipment design and installation was completed by KOMPAN and the wider park improvements were completed by BCE Northern Ltd.

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. 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."