State of the art £600,000 Ballyarnett Play Park opened

by Gráinne Connolly

The much anticipated play park within Ballyarnett Country Park was opened in Derry-Londonderry this week. 

The new state of the art play area incorporates three separate zones for toddlers, children and older children, furnished with a large scale of timber playing equipment; all enclosed within a 2.4 metre high mesh fence. 

The scheme is jointly funded from the Social Investment Fund (SIF) under the NI Executive's Delivering Social Change Framework, and the Council, through its Play Development Programme, to the value of £600K. 

(The Deputy Mayor, Councillor John Boyle, cutting the ribbon at the official launch of the new Play Area at Ballyarnett Country Park on Monday morning)

The Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Councillor John Boyle attended the official opening of the park and welcomed the completion of the project:

“I am delighted to open this stunning new play park which is a much needed facility for families in area. 

“The play park is further evidence of Council’s commitment to providing a high level of accessible play provision for children across the City and District through the Invest in Play programme.

“This is one of a number of major projects earmarked for the extensive Country Park and makes it an even more attractive proposition for families to visit and enjoy the outdoors.”

(Local councillors Sandra Duffy and Angela Dobbins enjoy a push on the swings at the official launch of the new Play Area at Ballyarnett Country Park)

Darren Kirby, Strategy Manager for the Outer North Neighbourhood Partnership, expressed his delight that local families could now enjoy state of the art play provision on their doorstep.

“On behalf of Outer North Neighbourhood Partnership, I would like to warmly welcome the park’s official opening and look forward to seeing the people of Ballyarnett and the surrounding area reaping the benefits of this facility.  

“This significant investment will enhance the infrastructure and offering within Ballyarnett Country Park and continue the extensive regeneration efforts that are taking place across the area.  

“We’re keen to promote the importance of ‘play’ for children and young people and we’re confident that this play park will act as focal point for the country park - a place for children to play and forge new friendships, while ensuring they remain healthy and active.”
 

Noel McCartney, Chair of the local SIF Steering Group, added:

“I wish to congratulate the community and statutory partners for all their hard work in bringing this project to fruition. 

“The Play Park adds to the existing offering at Ballyarnett Country Park and will enhance the quality of life of the residents of the Ballyarnett and Greater Shantallow areas by offering a safe and convenient place for children to play together.

“I would like to thank the Executive Office and Council for their contribution and I would also like to personally acknowledge the support and guidance that the late Martin McGuinness gave our local steering group. 

"As Deputy First Minister, Martin was particularly supportive in helping bring this and other SIF projects to fruition because he knew the positive impact it could have on the lives of local families."