Play parks across district are set for major upgrades

Play parks across district are set for major upgrades

18 September 2024

A SERIES of play parks across the district are in line for major upgrades over the coming years.

On Monday night, local politicians signed off on the findings of a detailed play review strategy which outlines Newry, Mourne and Down Council’s investment priorities over the next five years.

The finance for the various upgrades in a number of local areas including Downpatrick, Bishopscourt, Ardglass, Newcastle and Drumaroad was outlined at a meeting of the local authority’s Active Health and Communities Committee.

The budget requirements for each project has to be sanctioned via the district rate and there will be additional consultation.

In Downpatrick, the current Bridge Street play park is to be modernised with facilities in Bishopscourt and Ardglass upgraded.

The Islands Park play area in Newcastle is also in line for an upgrade, with the Hillfoot junior play park in Ballynahinch closed and the existing equipment removed.

In the Slieve Croob area, the existing play park in Drumaroad will also be upgraded.

Downpatrick councillor Gareth Sharvin welcomed the new strategy and said the need for adequate play facilities across the district was well known, particularly in several key areas. 

“Adequate play facilities really is a basic right for our children and young people and not something that should be treated as a luxury,” he said.

“I have campaigned for a long time to see the upgrades at Seaview in Ardglass and Bishopscourt come to fruition and am delighted that following Monday night’s meeting, the work in Ardglass will happen in the first year of the new strategy.

While the exact start date has not been confirmed, the work at Bishopscourt and Bridge Street will take place in year two of the strategy.

“When reviewing this need, in Year 1 of the strategy, one park per DEA will see action take place,” confirmed Cllr Sharvin.

“Such is the need for an upgrade in Seaview that I have stressed the need to see an upgrade here and am delighted that this will now take place.”

He added: “This will be incredibly beneficial to all young people and families in the Seaview and wider Ardglass area who will be able to enjoy an upgraded play park now and into the future. 

“I will continue to work with the council to see the works commence as soon as possible, so that our children and young people do not need to wait any further than they have had to already.” 

Mournes councillor, Willie Clarke, has welcomed the inclusion of the Islands Park in the play strategy review.

“I have been lobbying for an upgrade of the Islands Park play area which has become tired,” he said.

“I also agree with parents that there is a need for an upgrade of the play facilities. While there have been many improvements to the green space at Islands Park, with new benches, pathways, tree planting and a picnic area, the refurbishment of the play park is essential.”

Cllr Clarke said it is vitally important that all-ability play equipment is provided in any refurbishment of the park to cater for those children with special needs.