Exciting skate park and pump track Dunleath Park plans edge closer

Exciting skate park and pump track Dunleath Park plans edge closer

28 September 2022

THE ambitious redevelopment of Dunleath Park in Downpatrick is expected to take a significant step forward when formal planning approval is secured for a new skate park and pump track.

In addition, the existing shale sports pitch is also in line for an upgrade as work continues to maximise the use of the sprawling facility.

Funding for the skate park and trump park has been secured and once the scheme gets the green light from planners, work is due to start with the expected completion date the end of March next year.

A design concept for the development of Dunleath Park — which borders Lower Market Street, Thomas Russell Park, Vianstown Road and the Ballydugan Road industrial estate — was outlined some time ago.

A new 7.5km new walking and cycling track around the perimeter of the expansive site is already in place and local politicians have already met with Rivers Agency officials to discuss the development of Dunleath which is home to a number of sports pitches and is used extensively by the Downpatrick Youth Football League and other sports clubs.

Politicians are keen to see a wide-ranging development plan for the town centre location and while they accept that it may not be possible to deliver everything that will be in the development blueprint at the same time, they want to aim high and also target potential funders to finance what will be an ambitious project.

A working group has been set up to oversee the future of the park and its members have taken a  close look at the existing sports pitches, with councillors insisting critically important that the park’s development potential is fully exploited and that all options must be on the table to make the facilities which Dunleath will offer the envy of many, providing modern sports and community provision.

Downpatrick councillor, Oonagh Hanlon, who is one of a number of politicians championing the development of the park, is pleased with the progress that is being made.

“A new skate park and BMX pump track for cyclists, along with an upgrade of the shale pitch had been previously identified as the first projects to be delivered at Dunleath,” she said.

“This is a good news story for Downpatrick. Dunleath has always been at the heart of our local community for sports and the development of additional facilities will undoubtedly benefit not only the town, but the wider area.”

Cllr Hanlon said that following a series of meetings with Downpatrick district electoral area councillors, it was agreed that a phased approach was the most productive way of delivering projects for the area.

Also this week, Cllr Hanlon has welcomed pans to upgrade the pathway at Jane’s Shore in Downpatrick which links the Belfast and Old Belfast roads. Finance for the scheme is being provided by the Covid recovery fund.