Saltwell Park was soon dubbed 'The People's Park' after originally opening in 1876 - and that ideology has stood the test of time. The park itself had fallen into disrepair in the late 20th century, until a 2005 restoration project which saw £9.6 million of funding pumped back into it.
It's now easy to see why it is one of the most popular places on Tyneside for families to flock for a day out. In terms of my personal history with the park, it feels like I must have visited hundreds of times as a child.
I distinctly remember playing in the two playgrounds either side of the ever-present ice cream van that I would get a 99 from on the way out.
