Seventeen parks across the North East are in the running to be crowned the UK's Favourite Park.
Ten in Tyne and Wear, three in Northumberland and four in County Durham have been nominated by locals who think that their park is the best in the country. The charity Fields in Trust organises the UK's Favourite Park competition, having legally protected parks and green spaces for over 90 years, with the aim of ensuring that they will always be available for future generations to enjoy.
The list includes some of the North East's best-known parks, such as Saltwell Park in Low Fell and Leazes Park in Newcastle. However, there are a few hidden gems - and also a few notable omissions such as Jesmond Dene and Heaton Park.
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The current holder of the UK's favourite park is Stanley Park in Blackpool, which topped the poll of 36,832 voters from 364 nominated parks and green spaces throughout the UK. Here are the North East parks that locals are hoping will knock it off its perch and a description of each one in the words of those who have nominated it.
Tyne and Wear
Leazes Park, Newcastle
Newcastle's first "People's Park" with a rich heritage and setting. Although looking tired and a little forlorn it has the potential to rise again. It serves a diverse user group, university students, hospital staff and patients, local residents and visitors to the city.
Monkton Dene Park, Jarrow
Lots of volunteers are passionate about the park, working really hard as a community to get it looking nice by doing activities to get the community together and working with schools in the area to get the children to respect their parks and help keep it clean.
North Marine Park, South Shields
A peaceful haven in tranquillity during the lockdowns. Stunning views of the harbour at South Shields.
Nuns Moor Park, Newcastle
A great local park with play facilities, a café, and beautiful old trees. A Friends of the Park group help look after it, a real community meeting place.
Paddy Freeman's Park, Heaton
It’s a wonderful green space, perfect for sports, socialising and dog walks and there are gorgeous views of Dene and waterfall. A lovely community spirit and volunteer group help maintain the park and walkways.
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Readhead Park, South Shields
This park is well maintained by a local volunteer group of residents with regular litter picks and maintenance. It has a lovely play area for kids, tennis courts and basketball court and the doggies like the ample green spaces too!
Rectory Park, Houghton-le-Spring
This park has become important during and post-Covid, with residents and traders coming together to fundraise for Family Free Fundays in the park. It's a beautiful space that is well used for multiple purposes and by all ages.
Richardson Dees Park, Wallsend
During the pandemic not only did it allow a source of exercise but also a source of serenity. There are multiple items for children here including a play park, outdoor gym and skate park.
Saltwell Park, Gateshead
The park is spacious and well-equipped with children’s play areas, toilets, open spaces, a lake, orchard, trees, café, beautiful views and a variety of landscapes. Well maintained by Gateshead Council, it is also easily accessible by public transport and has free parking.
South Marine Park, South Shields
The park has a boating lake, children's play areas, a bandstand for music events, tiered grassed seating and the most fabulous small railway run by volunteers - the children (& adults) love it.
Northumberland
Carlisle Park, Morpeth
Fantastic, well-cared-for park, something for all age groups. A joy to visit.
Gallagher Park, Bedlington
It has a great play-park, great football fields and a great BMX track.
Ridley Park, Blyth
Lovely park with lots to do for children and a café with homemade food. Fabulous water-feature for children to play in.
County Durham
Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street
A diverse park which has something for everyone: wildflower meadows, formal gardens, bowling greens, play area/splash pad, green space/paths, café, outdoor gym equipment, wildlife. Friends of Riverside Park volunteers support Durham County Council to maintain the park.
Wharton Park, Durham
Such a beautiful natural space!
Ward Jackson Park, Hartlepool
Ward Jackson Park is a well-loved park within Hartlepool, named after Ralph Ward Jackson who founded West Hartlepool in the 19th century. It was built in 1883 and is home to multiple features including a café, the drinking fountain, a bandstand and a clock tower.
Ropner Park, Stockton-on-Tees
Ropner Park has beautiful gardens, a lake, a fountain, a playground, a bandstand, bowling-green, tennis courts, and lots of green areas.
To vote for your favourite park in the North East, visit the Fields in Trust website.
What is your favourite park in the North East? Let us know!
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