Mowbray Park play area reopens after £282k transformation
A landmark slide makeover and newly inclusive rides included in Sunderland park's upgrades
Mowbray Park’s popular children's play area in Sunderland has reopened following a £282,000 refurbishment.
Upgrades as part of the transformation include a refreshed landmark slide, new inclusive rides, improved seating, and enhanced accessibility across paths and the play area.
The work is part of broader renovations in the park, which also include the addition of adult outdoor gym equipment behind the former bowling pavilion. These are expected to be completed within the next few months.
Maintenance work has also been carried out on the island in the middle of the park’s pond – a spot favoured by wildlife. Specialist contractors have removed dangerous tree branches and opened up views of the island, infusing £4,000 into the improvements.
Plans are underway to invest £64,000 in renovations to the empty Bowls Pavilion. Scheduled for next spring, this work will include structural repairs to gutters, roof coverings and timber exteriors alongside enhancements to roller shutters and rendering.
Councillor Lindsay Leonard, cabinet member for environment, transport and net zero at Sunderland City Council, said: "It's a really exciting time for Mowbray Park with so many improvements, including to our much-loved play area and the bowling pavilion, as well as the installation of new outdoor gym equipment.
"We know how much our residents and visitors enjoy and value this fantastic green space in the heart of our city centre, which is why we are constantly looking at how we can make the most of it."
Community safety remains a priority within the park, with Sunderland City Council confirming physical patrols, close collaboration with Northumbria Police, and CCTV monitoring to deter anti-social behaviour and support enforcement action.
Councillor Kelly Chequer, deputy council leader and cabinet member for health, wellbeing and safer communities, said: "We know people want to feel safe when visiting the park, which is why we're committed to ensuring that Mowbray Park remains a safe, welcoming, and well-maintained space for residents, visitors, and families."
Meanwhile, Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, overlooking Mowbray Park, will undergo a major redevelopment beginning next year following a successful £5.2m funding bid to The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The four-year project, supported by investments from Sunderland City Council and other organisations, will involve the addition of a new visitor entrance connecting the park to the museum and Winter Gardens, two new galleries, landscape improvements to the rear terrace, and enhanced access to the collection.
Cabinet member for communities, culture and tourism Councillor Beth Jones said: "It's going to be great to see preparatory work starting next year, ahead of a significant redevelopment of Sunderland Museum & Winter Gardens.
"This includes new social spaces, a 'Growing/Learning Space,' and external and internal repairs, ensuring the museum remains accessible through pop-up spaces in areas such as Mowbray Park whilst refurbishment is ongoing."