New facilities opened at Newcastle YMCA centre

New facilities opened at Newcastle YMCA centre

15 February 2012

NEWCASTLE’S Greenhill YMCA activity centre has been given a major upgrade.

The centre located in Donard Park at the foothills of the Mournes secured almost £140,000 from the Down Rural Area Partnership (DRAP) which paved the way for a number of exciting new facilities.

They include a new fixed adventure tower, an additional low level rope course, new sensory and eco trails, an adventure area with laser tagging, additional archery and orienteering areas and an outdoor social space.

The Newcastle project is one of over 60 across the four council areas of Down, Banbridge, Ards and North Down which are benefiting from the £13m which has been allocated to improve rural communities until 2013.

The Newcastle centre received funding under the Encouragement of Tourism Activities section. YMCA official Kenny Baxter said the new facilities offer greater flexibility and variety and enable the centre to broaden the reach of its services.

“The facilities will not only enhance the enjoyment and learning of those currently participating in Greenhill YMCA programmes, but will also enable YMCA to cater for the significant increase in visitors due to the recently expanded residential accommodation,” he explained.

“YMCA is very grateful to the rural partnership fund for making the regeneration of Greenhill possible. We look forward to ensuring their step of faith bears fruit for the future.”

DRAP officials say adventure and activity centres are becoming increasingly popular, whether as a day out for family and friends, a holiday or team-building exercise.

They say people expect the very best of facilities and with this significant investment, they will certainly get it at the Greenhill YMCA’s centre.