A new play attraction standing almost 15 metres tall is to be installed in a County Durham park.
Durham County Council has been making improvements to Hardwick Park’s play area as part of a scheme to redevelop its play facilities.
The works include installing a brand-new play area which features a zip line; basket swing; hammocks; accessible roundabout and outdoor musical instruments.
In addition to this new equipment, a giant play tower will also be installed as part of the improvements.
Only the second of its kind in Europe, the tower is coming all the way from Germany and will be similar to its twin found in Bietigheim-Bissingen, near Stuttgart.
Standing at 14.5 metres, the tower has been designed to complement the park’s gothic gatehouse and tower, designed by architect James Paine in the 18th Century.
It will boast rope chimneys; a net bridge; slides and a range of sensory play elements. Children will also be able to enjoy enviable views over the park from the viewing platform.
Cllr James Rowlandson, Durham County Council’s Cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, said: “Hardwick Park is one of our busiest parks and welcomes 450,000 visitors each year.
“We know the park is popular with families, so we’ve committed to developing the play area into a refreshed, new space for children to play, develop their motor skills, and spend quality time outdoors.
“We are very excited to announce the park’s newest feature, which we hope will take youngsters to new heights in their play and development.
“The tower will be the only one of its kind in the UK, and we are looking forward to welcoming families when it opens.”
The play area near the Gothic Tower at Hardwick Park is currently closed while work to install the tower and new elements is carried out. The full new play area is expected to open in the spring.
• Pictured above (from left) Lindsay Archer, parks and countryside programme officer, James Young, outdoor facilities co-ordinator, Cllr James Rowlandson, cabinet member for resources, investment and assets, Tom Forster, outdoor play co-ordinator, Darryl Cox, principal parks and countryside manager.