The Village Park, Thorntree Road

The Village Park or “New Park” was opened in 1935 By TL Dugdale Esq. MP. Over the years it  had a large white stone Pavillion with tennis courts, bowling greens and a putting green. It had a small play area for many years which gradually like all the parks in Thornaby became outdated and run down.

The Bowls club was going  into disrepair and the Village Bowls Club took it over.

In 2004 the Village Park Residents Association, working with SBC raised  funds through grant applications for a new state of the art play area.  This was opened in the summer of 2005 and plans were then made for the  next steps for modernising the park.

The old tennis courts were turned into a 5 a side court with a basketball net and teen shelters added.�

In 2009 the next major stages were funded through grants by VPRA again working with SBC.

A new Multi Use  Games Area replaced the old 5 a side court with the old goals being  installed on the small grass area next to it. the Teen Shelters were  moved outside of the play area so they can be used during the day by  adults or children wanting a picnic area.

Next installed was a 600 metre Play Trail which was laid down around the perimeter of the  football pitch. Around this trail are 8 new climbing and spinning frames with games painted onto the tarmac for children of all ages to use when walking round.

All of the old paths in the park have been replaced or re laid and now  people with buggies or pushing wheelchairs can walk right round the park without fear of tripping or tipping out.For full details and  pictures visit the VPRA website monthly blog pages .