The newly refurbished Marine Gardens playpark in Carrickfergus has won praise for its “accessible” features.

Upgrades to the seafront park commended at the start of February, with the park reopening at the end of June - just in time for the school holidays.

At the heart of the redesign was new play equipment that promotes physical development, cognitive skills and sensory exploration, from slides and climbing frames to interactive sensory areas and inclusive swings.

The design also incorporates seating areas and accessible pathways to ensure that “children, parents and carers with mobility challenges can navigate the space independently”, said Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The newly refurbished Marine Gardens playpark in Carrickfergus has won praise for its “accessible” facilities, such as this ability swing. Photo: Helena McManus

placeholder image — The newly refurbished Marine Gardens playpark in Carrickfergus has won praise for its “accessible” facilities, such as this ability swing. Photo: Helena McManus

The local authority also secured £29,000 funding through the Department for Communities’ Access and Inclusion Fund to enable the purchase of a Changing Places unit for the park, installation of which is also nearing completion.

The new and improved facility has drawn praise from local residents, in particular for its accessible design.

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In a Facebook post, Learning Disability Pride wrote: “They've done an outstanding job making inclusivity the heart of it all. With wide paths and specially adapted equipment, everyone can join in the fun, no matter their ability.

"Hats off to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council for championing diversity and levelling the playing field so everyone gets a fair shot.

Mid and East Antrim councillor, Maeve Donnelly commented: “Wonderful to see accessibility at the heart of this updated park.”

The flagship playpark was originally installed in 2012 as part of wider refurbishment of Marine Gardens.

However, the area became a frequent target for antisocial behaviour and vandalism, with damage caused to play equipment on more than one occasion.

When asked earlier this year about CCTV monitoring of the Marine Gardens area, a spokesperson for Mid and East Antrim Borough Council said: “CCTV is already on site; however, upgrades to the current provision will provide improved security.”

In August 2023, the council approved the sum of £460k to deliver the upgrade of the playground after members were told it could “close within six months without investment” due to equipment that was “not fit for purpose”.