Chairman cuts sod at new Downpatrick sports park

Chairman cuts sod at new Downpatrick sports park

22 January 2025

WORK is underway on a new £500,000 urban sports park in Downpatrick.

The ultra-modern facility — which features a pump track for cyclists and a skateboard park — will be built at Dunleath Park.

A sod-cutting ceremony to mark the start of building work was held last week on what is being described as a “cutting edge facility”.

The investment in an 80-metre pump track, incorporating a dynamic series of banked turns and undulations, alongside a state-of-the-art 400 square metre skatepark, is being financed by the Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down Council.

The skatepark will include ramps and grind rails as trick features, offering an exciting and modern space for urban sports enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

The government department is providing just over £439,032.28, with the local authority chipping in with just over £74,500, with the combined £513,559 investment aiming to deliver state-of-the-art facilities to Downpatrick, designed to enhance community health and wellbeing while revitalising the local area.

There are also plans to transform the current shale sports pitch at Dunleath into an ultra-modern 3G facility, with the 7.km walking track around the perimeter of the park proving hugely popular and the base for the weekly Saturday morning parkrun.

Sports pitched are used by the Downpatrick Youth Football League and other sports clubs with the new sports park designed to make one of the town’s most used facilities even better.

Bordering Thomas Russell Park and the Ballydugan Road industrial estate and stretching as far back as housing developments at the Vianstown Road, politicians view Dunleath Park as a crucially important community asset.

They want to see its significant development potential fully utilised and are delighted work is underway on the new pump track and skateboard park which is being constructed by civil engineering and construction firm CivCo Ltd. 

A working group has also been established to help oversee the park’s development.

Stormont Communities Minister Gordon Lyons, said his department was pleased to provide significant funding for the Dunleath Park development.

“This exciting addition to the sporting landscape of Downpatrick will provide a dynamic new space that supports health, community and economic growth in the area,” he added.

Council chairman Pete Byrne said the project represented a substantial investment in the community on many levels. 

“This state-of-the-art skatepark and pump track will provide a new and alternative sports facility for people to enjoy. It is poised to become a much-loved and frequently used space, encouraging physical activity and healthier lifestyles,” he said.

“The facility’s strategic location near Down Leisure Centre will not only create a new hub for recreation but also increase footfall to Downpatrick town centre.”

Cllr Byrne said the investment demonstrated the local authority’s commitment to enhancing facilities, fostering vibrant, active and connected communities, while contributing to the revitalisation of town centres.

Mr Mal McGrady, chairman of the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group (DRWG), said the group was delighted with this “significant marker made” in relation to one of its identified key projects.

He continued: “This project has been in the planning process for some time now and we are delighted to be able to cut the sod in the current financial year.

“This is one of many ongoing projects that the DRWG have collaborated on with the Department for Communities and Newry, Mourne and Down Council, along with other government agencies.”

Mr McGrady said that on the back of Downpatrick’s flood recovery scheme and infrastructure renewal projects, people are beginning to see improvements in the town centre which the regeneration group hopes will be pleasing to both residents and visitors alike. 

He added: “This particular project will provide a much-needed outlet for our youth to avail of additional sport and recreation facilities and hopefully support mental and physical well-being. The Downpatrick Regeneration Group is actively involved in a number of other key projects which it is hoped will be delivered in the next financial year.” 

Cllr Conor Galbraith said having campaigned for the new tracks for some years, his SDLP colleagues are delighted to see work begin.

“We have long held the view that Dunleath Park has untapped potential and why we began the campaign for a sports hub there,” he said.

“The running track is in place, with a parkrun now in operation and we can’t wait to see how this next stage progresses. This investment is about more than just a skate park, but a symbol that Downpatrick is on the way up.”