The Mad Hatter and a Queen and Ace of Hearts now feature in a prominent park after a play area was transformed.

A new Alice in Wonderland-themed play area was given the seal of approval at an official opening.

Lowestoft Journal: The launch of the popular new Alice in Wonderland-themed play area in Sparrows Nest Gardens, Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe launch of the popular new Alice in Wonderland-themed play area in Sparrows Nest Gardens, Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A revamp and expansion of the play area at Sparrows Nest in Lowestoft started in October last year.

After Lowestoft Town Council teamed up with "experts in creative play spaces" Wicksteed Leisure, the new Alice in Wonderland themed play area opened in May as part of the successful 'Coronation Concert' at Sparrows Nest Gardens in honour of the Coronation of King Charles III.

Lowestoft Journal: The launch of the popular new Alice in Wonderland-themed play area in Sparrows Nest Gardens, Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesThe launch of the popular new Alice in Wonderland-themed play area in Sparrows Nest Gardens, Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

And on Thursday, councillors enjoyed visiting the new facilities as they were officially opened during Love Parks Week - the national scheme backed by Keep Britain Tidy to celebrate Parks and Open Spaces.

Lowestoft Journal: Councillors and children at the unveiling of the popular new Alice in Wonderland-themed play area in Sparrows Nest Gardens, Lowestoft. Picture: Mick HowesCouncillors and children at the unveiling of the popular new Alice in Wonderland-themed play area in Sparrows Nest Gardens, Lowestoft. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

A Lowestoft Town Council spokesman said: "It was lovely to see so many people at the launch of the popular new play area in Sparrows Nest Gardens.

"The play area has an 'Alice in Wonderland' theme with a variety of play equipment.

Lowestoft Journal: Members from Lowestoft Lions Club - with councillors - after they sponsored a new bench in the Sparrows Nest park in honour of their 60th anniversary in 2021. Picture: Mick HowesMembers from Lowestoft Lions Club - with councillors - after they sponsored a new bench in the Sparrows Nest park in honour of their 60th anniversary in 2021. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"The new play area has been a big hit with families since it opened.

Lowestoft Journal: Members from Lowestoft Lions Club - with councillors - after they sponsored a new bench in the Sparrows Nest park in honour of their 60th anniversary in 2021. Picture: Mick HowesMembers from Lowestoft Lions Club - with councillors - after they sponsored a new bench in the Sparrows Nest park in honour of their 60th anniversary in 2021. Picture: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

"Members from Lowestoft Lions Club were also present after they sponsored a new bench in the park in honour of their 60th anniversary in 2021.

Lowestoft Journal: The Andy the Clown summer disco in Sparrows Nest Gardens in Lowestoft. Picture: Lowestoft Town CouncilThe Andy the Clown summer disco in Sparrows Nest Gardens in Lowestoft. Picture: Lowestoft Town Council (Image: Lowestoft Town Council)

"The opening was followed by the Andy the Clown summer disco which takes place every Thursday from noon to 3pm during the summer holidays.

"The Lowestoft Town Hall Project memories bike also highlighted the fishing heritage of Lowestoft and promoted the Lowestoft Maritime Museum."

Lowestoft Journal: The Lowestoft Town Hall Project memories bike highlighted the fishing heritage in Lowestoft. Picture: Lowestoft Town CouncilThe Lowestoft Town Hall Project memories bike highlighted the fishing heritage in Lowestoft. Picture: Lowestoft Town Council (Image: Lowestoft Town Council)

With the previous play area expanded, new equipment was installed - including two separate multi-play units, panelling, swings, a spinner three-way seesaw, benches and a 'Fantasy funrun' that includes a wobbly plank.

The new play area is one of many renovations that the town council has undertaken as part of its commitment to "invest in our parks and play areas" over the past few years - with a new space-themed play area officially opened at Rosedale Park in Lowestoft on Tuesday.