Durham County Council’s Find and Fix team has spruced up Dragon Park in Durham by carrying out landscaping work and installing picnic benches and new sculptures designed by a local artist.

The project involved the council, Gilesgate Residents’ Association and Laurel Avenue Community Primary School working together to enhance the area. It was funded through the Neighbourhood Budgets of local councillors, as well as Section 106 developer funds. A total of £6,000 was delivered via Durham Area Action Partnership.

Lib Dem Cllr Mark Wilkes, Cabinet member for neighbourhoods and climate change, said: “We are committed to working alongside our partners to enhance our green spaces for the benefit of our communities. Being able to enjoy our parks, countryside and community spaces not only has benefits for our physical health but promotes positive wellbeing and helps to bring people together.”

To celebrate the completion of the project, children from nearby Laurel Avenue Community Primary School enjoyed a celebration day at the park accompanied by Tidy Ted, from the council’s Civic Pride team.

Pupils took part in craft activities before exploring the new sculptures. They also enjoyed a story written by local resident and Lib Dem Councillors Carole Lattin, of a dragon who loved and protected the park, which was delivered by storyteller David Elliott Cooper.

The school plans to use the space for future Forest School lessons, allowing the pupils to explore their natural environment and learn more about the benefits of the outdoors.

Cllr Wilkes added: “It is fantastic to see school children are already enjoying the improvements at Dragon Park. Hopefully, they will follow in the footsteps of the dragon in loving the area where they live and growing up to do their bit to help protect and enhance the park for future generations too.

“I also want to say particular thanks to Carole Lattin and her colleagues for the incredible amount of work they have put in.”

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