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Major refurbishment works have been completed at five play parks across the district following a £1million investment by Newry, Mourne and Down District Council.
Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell is pictured with
(from L to R) Gerard McKeever, Outdoor Leisure and Sports Development Officer
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council (NMDDC); Cllr Mickey Larkin, Conor
Haughey, Assistant Director Healthy Living NMDDC; Andrew Patterson, Director
of Active and Healthy Communities NMDDC and Cllr Oonagh Magennis.
The play parks include Conway Park in Mullaghbawn, Village Green in Belleeks, Granite View in Saval, Scrogg Road in Kilkeel and Seaview in Ardglass. They are part of the delivery of the Council’s Play Strategy 2024-2029, which will see a total of 16 play parks across the district fully refurbished and upgraded.
The improvements to date have seen the installation of a variety of modern play equipment, creating barrier-free, inclusive spaces where children of all abilities can play together.
These spaces promote social skills, physical activity and a shared sense of community.
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “We are delighted to see these upgraded play parks now open to the public. One of our strategic objectives are to work to improve the health and wellbeing of everyone in the district and this investment is part of our ongoing commitment to strengthen services and facilities throughout Newry, Mourne and Down ensuring all children have access to enjoyable and free play equipment in their parks. By listening to local communities, we have created facilities that will be enjoyed by families for many years to come.”
officially opens Conway Park, Mullaghbawn pictured with (From L to R) Conor
Haughey, Assistant Director Healthy Living Newry, Mourne and Down District
Council (NMDDC); Cllr Cllr Mickey Larkin, Cllr Aine Quinn and Andrew Patterson,
Director of Active and Healthy Communities NMDDC.
The core of the Council’s Play Strategy 2024-2029 acknowledges that play is a natural and essential part of children’s lives, supporting the achievement of a broad range of developmental outcomes as well as providing opportunities for fun and enjoyment. In delivering these projects, a three-stage community consultation process was utilised, giving children, families and residents groups the opportunity to shape designs. This approach has ensured that each site reflects the needs of its local community while also embedding quality, variety, challenge and creativity in line with modern play industry standards.
The Council’s Play Strategy will now progress into the next phase, with improvements planned at play parks in Bishops Court in Downpatrick, Derrybeg, Newry and Ardross in Crossmaglen. Over the next two to three years, a further £1.2 million investment will be made to refurbish and upgrade additional sites, ensuring this major programme continues to deliver high-quality facilities for children and families across Newry, Mourne and Down.
The 2024-2029 Play Strategy can be viewed at: www.newrymournedown.org
