Kids swing by to enjoy new playgrounds

Kids swing by to enjoy new playgrounds

2 October 2013

TWO new playgrounds delivered as a result of a major community effort in Saintfield and Annsborough have been officially opened.

Community groups in both areas worked alongside Down Council and the Down Rural Area Partnership to deliver the playgrounds which have proved a major hit. Both cost £100,00 each.

Down Council chairwoman Maria McCarthy performed the official opening ceremony in Saintfield, with her deputy, Councillor Gareth Sharvin, opening the new playground in Annsborough. Both areas now boast two of the district’s most modern play facilities.

The Saintfield Community Estates Partnership has been working closely with Down Council and the Down Rural Area Partnership to provide the new facility which is the only one in the town. The old play area has been completely transformed with a range of new equipment and layout to meet the needs of local children.

Mrs. Susan Welsh, chairwoman of Saintfield Community Estates Partnership, said everyone is thrilled that the hard work by so many people over the years has paid off.

“We are delighted with the finished product and the feedback from young people and their parents has been really encouraging. We are also very grateful to all our funders and the people of Saintfield who contributed towards the cost of the playground,” she said.

Mrs. Welsh said the New Line facility has been completely transformed, replacing a playground constructed over 40 years ago which was well past its sell-by-date.

She added: “All the hard work has been worthwhile and the Saintfield Community Estates Partnership can’t thank enough all those who have helped us achieve our goal.”

Rowallane councillors Robert Burgess and Terry Andrews have praised the efforts of the Saintfield group in delivering the new play area.

Councillor Burgess described it as “arguably one of the best in the district” and is delighted that after many years of campaigning, the ultra-modern facility is now in place.

He added: “I know the people of Saintfield very much appreciate the efforts of the Community Estates Partnership in delivering this superb new facility which is a major asset for the town.”

Councillor Andrews paid tribute to everyone involved in the New Line project and said the joy on the faces of the children using the playground illustrates clearly what they think of it.

Councillor Sharvin paid tribute to everyone involved in the provision of the new play facility, especially the Annsborough Community Forum, which he said will make a major contribution the lives of young children.

He added: “This project is an investment in the youth of our district and is exactly what the local community is looking for. The play park, complete

with brightly coloured and challenging equipment, presents a great opportunity for young people to become more active whilst promoting health and well-being.”