The country park was laid out on part of the site of the former Hetton Lyons colliery which closed in 1960. The reclamation of the area was started in 1966 for industrial and recreational purposes with the park being completed in 1993.

Facilities include a cycling track used by the local cycling club for race meetings and also special needs, canoeing tuition provided by qualified instructors of Springboard UK being available for people from all walks of life.

Hetton fishing club use one of the lakes but it is also available to the public upon buying a day ticket from the Sunderland City Council

Horse riding on a designated bridle path is also one of the main features.

Please click the thumbnail picture to enlarge.