Work to begin on skate park and pump track

Work to begin on skate park and pump track

21 February 2024

WORK is expected to start soon on a new skateboard park and so-called pump track for cyclists at Dunleath Park in Downpatrick.

The Department for Communities is making just under £400,000 available for the scheme with Newry, Mourne and Down Council contributing £25,000 towards development costs to help transform Dunleath into a major new sports hub.

The government department is also making £200,000 available to create a new events space at the rear of the Newcastle Centre in the heart of the resort.

News that the funding for the Dunleath project is now in place comes almost a year after formal planning approval was secured for the facility.

A new 7.km walking track around the perimeter of Dunleath Park has been a huge success since it opened and currently hosts a parkrun event every Saturday morning which is also growing in popularity.

Parts of Dunleath Park — which includes a number of sports pitches and is used extensively by a Youth Football League and other sports clubs —  are located on a flood plain at the Ballydugan Road, but assurances have been given that this will not have a major impact on the ambitious development plan.

Senior council officials have previously met with the Rivers Agency to discuss the blueprint for the future and it’s being suggested that the current shale sports pitch has the potential to be transformed into a new 3G surface.

Dunleath — which borders Thomas Russell Park and the Ballydugan Road industrial estate — stretches as far back as housing developments at the Vianstown Road.

Politicians believe the huge park offers significant development potential and that investment can help breathe new life back into Dunleath and develop local sports and recreational facilities for the people across Downpatrick and Lecale.

They say the walking trail has been an outstanding success and have no doubt the pump track will also be widely used.

Confirmation of the latest Dunleath development has been welcomed by South Down MLA Colin McGrath and councillors Gareth Sharvin, Conor Galbraith and Oonagh Hanlon.

Mr McGrath said the walking and running path around the perimeter of the park has become a “terrific feature” with many people now participating in the weekly Parkrun.  

“The next step is to see the skate park and pump track delivered and the SDLP is delighted that this funding has now been secured,” he added.

Cllr Sharvin said members of the local authority’s Active and Healthy Communities Committee were informed of the funding boost at a meeting last week.

“In addition to the £400,000 from the government department, the council is contributing £25,000 to secure this much-needed investment in our area,” he continued.

“It remains our hope that the skate park and pump track will be delivered before the end of March next and we are all looking forward to seeing the benefits it brings to the town.”

Cllr Galbraith said one of the crucial points associated with pump track and skateboard track is access.

He said councillors met recently with representatives from Downpatrick cinema to look at traffic issues in Russell Park in the hope of securing an access to the pump track and skateboard park from its complex. 

“Council officers were asked to provide information on the success of other skate parks and access to them before any decision is made. I am heartened that officers have made clear that even if there is no decision by the time works commence, the issue can still be considered.”

Cllr Hanlon said a new pump track and skateboard park is a “fantastic addition” to Downpatrick and wider areas to draw visitors and urban sport enthusiasts.

She added: “Downpatrick has always been a hub for BMX and skateboard enthusiasts and it will be great to see this facility finally delivered. 

“The development also includes improved access for pedestrians from St Patrick’s Avenue which I have been working on for many years and Sinn Fein will continue to work for local communities to deliver projects that enhance our outdoor spaces.”