Paying homage to Tynside’s history, this new Proludic playground transforms the park into a vibrant play and fitness destination. Celebrating South Shields’ Roman and maritime heritage with themed equipment and marking, the site is now a great gathering space for the community.
Inspired by the nearby Arbeia Roman Fort and the town’s historic role as a supply base for garrisons along Hadrian’s Wall, Proludic created a colourful, bespoke playground for residents and visitors. The centrepiece is a Roman shipwrecked galley multiplay unit with climbing, sliding, and sensory elements. This is also customised and themed with Proludic’s Grafic Games technique, which prints bespoke illustrations directly onto play panels.
The design also recreates local landmarks, including Arbeia hilltop fort and Hadrian’s Bridge, alongside a winding River Tyne incorporated into the wetpour surfacing. A combination of themed and standard equipment delivers high play value, capacity and a wide variety of activities for all ages and abilities.
The wider scheme includes an ACTI’Ninja fitness trail with 11 pieces of equipment on the adjacent green. It offers varied exercise opportunities for users with different fitness levels, whether as a standalone workout or as part of a run. The ACTI’FUN app provides personalised training plans, progress tracking and video guidance.
Since opening, the transformed park has become a popular destination for local families, fitness users and tourists alike.
