Official Launch Event for Groundwork NE & Cumbria’s official New Natural Play Park In Derwent Valley

Groundwork NE & Cumbria is officially opening its new natural play park, the first park to be created in Gateshead for years, on Friday 25th July at 10am.

An official ribbon-cutting and launch ceremony will be held at the new play park at Groundwork NE & Cumbria’s Land of Oak & Iron, Heritage Centre at Winlaton Mill, in the Derwent Valley.

Young VIP guests will attend the launch celebrations to put the play park through its paces. Live entertainment will be provided with a musical band, craft activities and storytelling, as well as family games, activities and stalls.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held to declare the park officially open for business.

The play park will add a new attraction to Groundwork NE & Cumbria’s existing Heritage Centre, which promotes the area’s rich natural woodland, rare and iconic wildlife and its hidden industrial heritage of British sword making and world-leading iron and steel production.

Designed to blend with its surroundings, the play area incorporates natural materials and landscaping, including climbable boulders and timber elements, alongside more traditional equipment. The park has been created with accessibility and inclusion in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible wheelspin roundabout, a basket swing suitable for a wide range of users, and sensory play elements including musical equipment and interactive panels. Where possible, grass has been used instead of synthetic flooring to continue this natural landscaping.

Commenting on the new play park, Chris Watson, Director of Land & Communities at Groundwork NE & Cumbria said: “We are so excited to officially launch the new play park, the first to be created in a long time in the area. Thanks to Gateshead Council for supporting us with the grant funding and helping to create a wonderful new adventure playground in the beautiful setting of the Derwent Valley. This new park is an exciting addition to what is already on offer at the Heritage Centre, and we hope more families will come to enjoy the park and all the wonderful family-focused activities we host here.”

Councillor John McElroy, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport at Gateshead Council, said: “We’re delighted there’s a brand-new park in the borough launching on Friday 25th July – a fantastic space that brings more nature, play and relaxation into the heart of our community. This park is a celebration of the local environment, and we hope people will come out, explore it, and make the most of everything it has to offer, whilst enjoying such a unique and beautiful part of Gateshead.”