Coastal and railway themes at new park

Refurbishment of the children’s facility is being taken on by Ballynahinch-based All-Play, the firm behind the new-look Marine Gardens playpark.

The local authority is also planning to carry out work to the retaining wall at the adjacent Castleview pitch.

Carrickfergus Borough Council’s Parks and Countryside officer Stephen Daye said: “All the existing equipment has been removed and we will be all set for an April opening or hopefully a bit sooner.

“We did a consultation a few months ago and we’re keeping to the theme of the sea for most of the park; the part for older kids has a coastal theme with a pirate island and pirate ship.

“Since there’s such a strong railway connection in Whitehead, the junior area will incorporate that side of things with a train and a train track.”

The space will feature a number of swings and climbing frames and will also be equipped with the same soft play surfaces that can be seen in Marine Gardens.

“We’ve been quite lucky weather wise as there hasn’t been too much frost at the site that might delay things,” Stephen added.

“The playpark is a £100,000 project and the funding has come from the council, GROW South Antrim and the Northern Ireland Housing Executive.”

The development at the playpark forms part of the wider Whitehead village Masterplan, launched in June 2011 and delivered by the Whitehead Regeneration Group.

Refurbishment of the pitch and Castleview pavilion were completed last year, with the new Castleview Park having opened in September 2013.

Other projects completed to date include the development plans for Blackhead Path and recreations grounds, construction of a path and fence network at the Diamond Jubilee Wood, the first phase of shop front improvements and the installation of a number of pieces of outdoor gym equipment.

Future projects will focus on further enhancements at Blackhead Path, including the entrance and restoration of the footbridge walls as well as resurfacing of the car park.

Meanwhile, at the council’s Building Services meeting on February 10, members were informed that a contractor had been appointed to carry out demolition of Whitehead toilets at a cost of £7950.

A contract had also been awarded for the second phase of shop front improvements.