Sunderland’s new Blackies Park proves hit with families

Located at Blackies Park on Fordfield Road in Sunderland, the new facility was created after residents were invited to choose between designs during a public consultation – and more than 55 per cent backed the winning proposal from play specialist Streetscape.

Gentoo acted as the housing and community partner that helped get the Blackies Park project off the ground and delivered on the ground for residents.

Feedback from families has already been positive. (Image: Gentoo)

Chris Roberts, director of customer at Gentoo, said: “The opening of Blackie’s play park is a fantastic addition to the area.

“Projects like this have a real and lasting impact on the whole community.

“By creating safe, vibrant and inclusive spaces, we’re not just improving facilities, we’re helping to strengthen community pride, encourage healthier lifestyles, and bring people together.

The park is designed to encourage climbing, swinging, sliding and exploring. (Image: Gentoo)

“This investment is a reflection of what local residents told us they wanted, and it’s fantastic to see it becoming a reality.”

The park, designed to encourage climbing, swinging, sliding and exploring, was funded through Section 106 funding provided by Sunderland City Council.

Cllr Lindsey Leonard, cabinet member for environment, transport and net zero at Sunderland City Council, said: “I’m delighted to see section 106 funding being put to such good use, to develop this fantastic new play area.

Residents were invited to choose between designs. (Image: Gentoo)

“We know how much families really value having fun, safe and accessible play parks to take their children to and it’s great that they have been involved in helping shape this new play area to the needs of their community.”

Feedback from families has already been positive.

One resident who visited the park with his grandson, said: “Before the park we just played football on the field, but since the park has been built, my grandson is out from 8am in the morning playing on the park.

“The new park is a godsend for the area.” (Image: Gentoo)

“The new park is a godsend for the area.

“It’s absolutely the best thing Gentoo has ever done.”

Another visitor said: “I’m happy we have something like this in the area because, before the park was built, we would usually have to take them to a park further away and now we have one in our neighbourhood.”