Outdoor Play Provision at Harold Wilson Recreation and Sport Ground, Thornaby Town Council, Teesside

This is a project to replace the flooring of the Harold Wilson Play Area in Thornaby. In 2024 the existing small play area was extended. New play equipment was set into an existing grassed and mat filled area (due to budget). Today, the persistent rainfall over the past ten months and time, has led to these groundworks being flooded, damaged and becoming not fit for purpose.

The project involves the removal and replacement of existing groundworks with stone baseworks prior to laying 600m2 of wetpour surfacing.

Play is an essential part of every child’s life and vital for the enjoyment of childhood as well as social, emotional, intellectual and physical development. Play facilities are seen as an essential element to allow people to live healthy lives and help ensure activity is established at an early age, thus reducing long-term health conditions. Children can access safe play when family members are playing football and this can help build friendships and forge links between people of different ages, genders and denominations in the local area and beyond.

The aesthetic and environmental appearance of the site will be greatly improved with a safe, fit for use play area that is free to use and offers unlimited access.