Delight over £500k play parks spend

Delight over £500k play parks spend

20 February 2019

FIVE local areas have secured a slice of a £500,000 funding cake to upgrade play parks across the district.

A total of 15 play parks across the Newry, Mourne and Down Council area are to benefit from the funding provided by the Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership which is a programme supported by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the EU.

The local authority is also making a contribution towards the overall investment which will result in either playground upgrades or new-build schemes featuring ultra-modern equipment in Killough, Drumaness, Crossgar, Killyleagh and Saintfield.

Work on some of the 15 parks has been completed, while upgrades in other locations have yet to start.

Details of the major investment programme were announced recently when school children and dignitaries from the council and funding bodies gathered to mark the proposed upgrades. 

The new and upgraded play parks will feature innovative equipment, including a ‘Theta’ fitness adventure trail and zip-line. There will also be multi-play units installed onsite, with other new features including a storyteller’s chair, swirl roundabouts and a block pave maze area.

Council chairman Mark Murnin said the organisation is delighted to launch the major programme of play park new builds and upgrades in rural communities across the district.

“Inclusive play is encouraged by the design of these parks, which will provide fun activities and help keep children healthy, while promoting social cohesion and inclusion for all,” he added.

Councillor Roisin Mulgrew, chairwoman of the Mourne, Gullion and Lecale Rural Development Partnership’s Local Action Group, is also delighted that so many play parks are in line for significant upgrades.

“It is rewarding to see this partnership approach between Newry, Mourne and Down Council, the Rural Development Partnership and the local communities in these rural areas coming to fruition with the opening of these fabulous new state-of-the-art play parks,” she said.

“I am pleased that the parks are open in perfect time for spring, when these facilities will soon echo with the laughter of our children and young people.”

Jerome Burns, from DAERA , said the Department was “delighted” to be a partner in the project which has produced such a significant impact across the district.

“Council funding, matched with DAERA and EU funding through the Rural Development Fund has maximised the overall impact,” he explained.

He added:  “The positive benefits of play for children is matched by the positive impacts on the whole rural community, including improved access to facilities, health and well-being and community cohesion.”