A grandmother says she was left feeling “absolutely ashamed” by the state of children’s play facilities in Newcastle’s oldest park.
Several pieces of play equipment in Leazes Park, including a slide and a climbing frame, have been out of use for years after being deemed “unsafe” for children to use. The sight of the attractions being cordoned off came as a bitter disappointment to Julie Cousins, who visited the Victorian park with her four-year-old granddaughter last weekend.
Urban Green Newcastle, which runs the city’s green spaces, said that upgrading play areas was a “priority” and that it was seeking funds to replace the equipment in Leazes Park. But Julie, who lives in Fenham, criticised parks bosses for having “nothing to offer for families” in the city centre park.
The 55-year-old told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “I was in the park on Saturday for the first time in years, I went with my husband, our daughter, and our granddaughter. I was absolutely ashamed of the lack of facilities there.
“I know there are other parks around the city and other places for people to go, but this is the park in the centre of Newcastle. When you walk down from the West End this is the first place you come to.
“Some of the playground was open, but some was cordoned off because the equipment was not safe to use. It feels like it is not cared for, like there is no investment for children in the city.
“There was hardly anybody in the park. When my kids were young we would go there and it would be bustling with families.
"There were a few people there on Saturday, but not very many because there is nothing to offer for families. It is really a shame and it made me feel embarrassed.”
Urban Green, a charitable trust that was handed control of parks by Newcastle City Council in 2019, said that three pieces of play equipment in Leazes Park had been unusable since it took over – and admitted that the historic park “ is an area that needs improvement”.
A spokesperson said: “Leazes Park is one of the most popular green spaces in the city and regularly hosts family friendly events and activities. More than 28,000 tickets have already been sold for the upcoming ‘Northern Lights’ light trail in the park, which begins in November. Outside of the regular events programme, we do recognise the play area is an important part of why many people visit Leazes Park.
“When Urban Green Newcastle took over responsibility for the management and upkeep of the city’s parks in 2019, three bits of play equipment in Leazes Park were unavailable to the public for safety reasons. We are working to raise the funds to replace these large pieces of play equipment. There are still many play items available for children, young people, and their families visiting Leazes Park; including a multiplay, toddler swings, an overhead carousel, rocker, and play boat.
“Upgrading and replacing play areas is very expensive. Since Urban Green Newcastle was formed, more than £860,000 has been invested in play areas across the city’s parks. We’ve also worked with local community groups, Friends of Groups, Ward Councillors, local businesses, and volunteers to raise thousands more through fundraising and donations. In Gosforth Central Park, we’ve been able to repair some items of play equipment this year thanks to the support of the local community.
“We want people to feel proud of their parks, and for communities across the city to come and enjoy them. Upgrading play areas is a priority and we recognise Leazes Park is an area that needs improvement. If any local businesses or individuals would like to help us with the fundraising, we’d love to hear from you."
