It's time to play as Wallace Park scheme finally completed

Children will be able to enjoy the new range of play equipment from 10am this Friday - July 9. The play area will then be open from 9am each morning.

The 700,000 scheme has been dogged by problems after the firm initially carrying out the work ran into difficulties.

But the Mayor of Lisburn, Alderman Paul Porter, who visited the the play area this week with his two children, said: "This play area that is for use by children of all abilities is only Phase One of a two phase project, which when completed will represent an investment of approximately 3 million by the Council. As a parent, I understand the importance of children developing skills such as socialising.

"The Council has invested considerable time and money to ensure this play area will provide the ideal location for children to retreat to and relax after a busy day or perhaps expend some energy to make life more relaxing for the parents or childminders."

Councillor David Archer, Chairman of the Council's Leisure Services Committee said: "It is great news that this new play area will be open

to the public from this weekend. The Council appreciates the patience and co-operation of the Lisburn ratepayers during the refurbishment works. Within the new play area, the Council through an investment of over 700,000 endeavoured to use a variety of play equipment for use by both young residents and visitors of all abilities to Wallace Park.

"The Council believes the range of activities provided might spark the interest of children and motivate good behaviour. The developed areas, each with its own safety surface, will foster the potential for children to gain extensive knowledge and understanding of this state of the art outdoor environment. It is anticipated that such zones will allow the children using them to develop and or use different skills," he concluded.