Case Study
14th January 2025
Sunderland’s Smart City team is committed to making our city a vibrant and inclusive place to live, work, and play, ensuring that no one and nowhere is left behind as Sunderland’s tech-led developments advance at pace.
This vision extends to play spaces, where the benefits of technology are seamlessly integrated into the lives of residents and visitors. Additionally, Sunderland City Council continually champions the mental and physical health benefits of of staying active and enjoying outdoor spaces through the Active Sunderland programme.
Plus, in line with our organisational priorities, Sunderland has invested in the regeneration of green spaces, turning them into hubs of creativity, connection, and activity.
The city’s ongoing transformation is supported by our unique 20-year joint venture partnership with Boldyn Networks, which has enabled the development of new connectivity across Sunderland, including smart play parks that combine technology with physical activity.
Building on the huge success of the Yalp Sutu Interactive Football Wall at Thompson Park – one of the most used installations of its kind globally – the Council saw an opportunity to replicate and expand this model of success.
Building on the success of Thompson Park’s Yalp Football Wall, Sunderland City Council has introduced a Sona Arch at the newly designed children’s play park at Seaburn, bringing the benefits of smart city technology to even more residents. Developed with the input of local schoolchildren, the play park officially opened on 25th October.
The Yalp Sona Arch is an interactive dance and play installation designed to challenge and engage players of all ages and abilities. Its inclusive nature ensures that everyone can enjoy the Arch, fostering creativity, collaboration, and active learning. By combining technology with outdoor fun, the Arch enhances play while encouraging physical activity.
Further supporting our goal to ensure a connected city with opportunities for all, the park benefits from Sunderland’s free superfast Wi-Fi, allowing visitors to stay connected and digitally included while exploring the outdoors.
The investment in the Sona Arch and accompanying infrastructure reflects the unique partnership between Sunderland City Council and Boldyn Networks, underscoring the city’s dedication to utilising technology for good.
The Yalp Sona Arch at Seaburn Play Park is already transforming play in the park, becoming a standout attraction that’s getting people moving.
From its installation on 5th November to the end of December, the Arch logged an average of 3 hours and 30 minutes of play per day, totalling over 200 hours in just two months. This usage significantly outpaces the global average for equivalent installations, highlighting its popularity in Sunderland even during the colder winter months.
This success demonstrates how technology can be used to enhance everyday experiences and inspire physical activity in our communities. The Arch has provided a new way for residents and visitors to stay active through tech-enabled facilities, offering a dynamic and inclusive space that encourages people to enjoy Sunderland’s outdoor areas year-round – even in winter!
Would you like to experience the Sona Arch for yourself?
Whether you’re looking for an active day out or simply curious about Sunderland’s smart city developments, the new Seaburn Play Park is well worth a visit. You can find the play park near the former Pirate Play Park site off Dykelands Road and Lowry Road.
The introduction of public Wi-Fi and innovative play equipment at Seaburn follows a broader rollout of smart projects across Sunderland. To learn more about Sunderland’s smart city programme and how technology is shaping the future of our city, visit www.sunderlandoursmartcity.com.