WELLIES are no longer required at a popular play park that has reopened following resurfacing work.

The children’s playground, at Hardwick Park in Sedgefield, County Durham, was closed in January after it became so boggy it was barely usable.

It was a great loss for the park, which attracts about 450,000 visitors a year, including thousands of toddlers and their parents.

Keen to resolve the issue, park owners Durham County Council provided funding for an all-weather surface and the much-loved facility is now back in action.

Simon Heney, park manager said: “Originally, we had grass supported by a plastic mesh but we found increased rain levels in winter turned it into a quagmire. The all-weather surface will ensure it can remain open all year round.

“We have received excellent feedback from the public. When we posted the news on our Facebook page, hundreds of people left positive comments. This shows how important the playground is.”

Hardwick Park also plans to install four wooden memorial benches near the playground.

These benches are available to sponsor.

To find out more, contact 01740-621505.