WATCH: New refurbished and inclusive Mo Mowlam park opens at Stormont

by Gráinne Connolly

The Mo Mowlam Park at Stormont Estate has re-opened following a major refurbishment. 

The site first opened in 2016, in memory of the former Northern Ireland Secretary of State Mo Mowlam, who passed away in 2005. 

Ms Mowlam held the position from 1997 to 1999 and during that time, she advocated opening up the Stormont Estate to the public, with the children's park being her idea. 

The playground has now been transformed into an inclusive site, specifically designed so children of all abilities can play together. 

In incorporates a wheelchair accessible swing, a low level lookout tower and trampoline, as well as a dedicated sensory area. 

🎥 Q Radio was given a tour of the newly refurbished Mo Mowlam playpark at Stormont estate. It’s been specially designed so children of all abilities can play together, with accessible equipment and a dedicated sensory area. pic.twitter.com/Mjw7FirQoe

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 25, 2019

Speaking at the opening, Sue Gray, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Finance, said: “The new and improved Mo Mowlam Playpark is a fantastic facility which enables all children to play together in a safe environment. 

“This state of the art area has been carefully planned, designed and created to cater for children of all abilities. 

"Shared play is so important and inclusivity has been at the heart of this project and the range of equipment and dedicated sensory area reflects that.

“The previous playpark provided nearly 20 years of enjoyment and was widely used by youth groups, schools and families from right across Northern Ireland. 

“I’ve no doubt the new playpark will be an even bigger success and bring so much joy to many children and families for generations to come. 

"Combined with the educational trails, new accessible barbeque area and picnic park– the Stormont Estate makes for a family friendly, fun filled, free day out.”

🎥 Dessie McDonald from @dptfinance says the new and improved Mo Mowlam playpark at Stormont Estate will benefit children of all abilities. pic.twitter.com/8r39n2W0ix

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 25, 2019

🎥 Children from Rascals Day Nursery and Tor Bank school in Belfast had the chance to try out the new equipment at the newly refurbished Mo Mowlam playpark at Stormont estate. pic.twitter.com/mOiisMklj0

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 25, 2019

Welcoming the inclusivity of the facility, Autism NI CEO, Kerry Boyd, said: “It is fantastic that the Department of Finance has created a unique play park that benefits children of all abilities, enabling social opportunities and accessibility to all. 

"It is particularly exciting that the playpark has a sensory section within it, which will be of great benefit to many of our autistic children. I hope that this new facility will enable our autism families to enjoy a fun day out in a safe and inclusive environment.”

🎥 Kerry Boyd @AutismNICEO says she hopes the new inclusive Mo Mowlan park at Stormont will enable autism families to enjoy days out in a safe environment: pic.twitter.com/zjJLUt2m6c

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 25, 2019

The £800,000 investment has seen the creation of the playpark which includes a range of accessible equipment, a bespoke multi-sensory area, storytelling area and natural play zone, installation of new paths and safety surfaces to make the playpark fully accessible as well as refurbishment of the existing toilet block to include the addition of a new parent and baby room. 

The project was completed by Eglinton based company, Hawthorn Heights. 

🎥 Ciaran Farren from ‘Hawthorne Heights’ headed the project for the newly refurbished Mo Mowlam park. He says a lot of work and planning went in to making it suitable for children of all abilities: pic.twitter.com/NJHY2JKCFr

— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) June 25, 2019

Highlighting the importance of play and welcoming the investment, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Koulla Yiasouma, said: “Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) states that play is vital to a child’s development and can impact on their health, well-being and future lives.

“It is also something that children and young people consistently raise with me, highlighting how important it is for them to have safe outdoor play areas and facilities.  

“I therefore welcome the reopening of this inclusive play park today and look forward to it being replicated across Northern Ireland so that every child and young person has access to safe, affordable, accessible and age appropriate play within their communities.”