Smart play park boosts seaside community connections

A new technology-enhanced play park has opened in Seaburn, showcasing how innovative solutions can blend recreation and digital connectivity to benefit communities.

Sunderland’s latest addition to its growing portfolio of smart city initiatives features cutting-edge interactive equipment, including the YALP Sona Arch and offers free superfast public Wi-Fi to ensure inclusivity and connectivity for all visitors.

Developed in collaboration with local school Seaburn Dene Primary, the park has been designed with inclusivity at its heart, featuring wheelchair-accessible play areas and sensory zones alongside interactive equipment to merge physical activity with digital play.

The new park builds on the success of Sunderland’s YALP SUTU football wall at Thompson Park, one of the most used globally, which has achieved nearly 1,800 hours of active play since its installation in May 2023. It is the latest example of how technology can enhance everyday experiences, digitally including residents and fostering community connections.

Liz St Louis, director of smart cities and enabling services at Sunderland City Council, said: “Building on the success of the YALP SUTU wall at Thompson Park, the extension of free public Wi-Fi and smart play equipment to Seaburn Park marks another important milestone in our smart city journey.

“We continue to create dynamic spaces where technology and play come together, providing residents and visitors with innovative, interactive opportunities to engage with their community.

“Here in Sunderland, we want to set the standard for what a digitally connected, future-ready city can look like.”

Sunderland City Council and Boldyn Networks, the city’s smart city partner, are set to extend this innovative approach to public spaces, creating a digitally inclusive environment that encourages active learning, creativity and collaboration.

Claire Venners, director delivery UK & Ireland at Boldyn Networks, added: “We’re proud to be part of Sunderland’s smart city developments, enabling connectivity that helps bring public spaces to life.

“With the extension of free superfast Wi-Fi and the integration of smart play technology at Seaburn Park, we’re helping to create a connected, engaging environment where residents can come together and enjoy modern, tech-enabled experiences.”

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