New park will instillpride at interface

He said residents and young people in particular found it difficult to engage in physical exercise because of sporadic communal violence at the interface with the predominantly nationalist Bishop Street area.

Although the Riverside Park play facility at Abercorn Road is less than 200 metres from the new £200k MUGA pitch it is not frequented by residents of the Fountain due to interface tensions.

Mr McCausland made his comments whilst in town for the official launch of the new Multi Use Games area amidst celebrations in the Fountain - the last remaining predominantly Protestant area on Londonderry’s cityside.

Mr McCausland said: “Given the location on an interface which regrettably still endures sporadic violence it is entirely understandable that residents and young people in particular find their opportunities for physical activities a little restricted.

“This facility will therefore strengthen community cohesion and reinforce a sense of pride in the area.”

On a more positive note Jeanette Warke, Project Manager with the Cathedral Youth Club, said on behalf of the young people living in the Fountain that she was delighted to see an important new facility in the area for all age groups.

“The 2G multi use pitch will certainly have a positive effect on outdoor sports for the community. We all have cause to celebrate as the games area will also allow friendly competition and encourage good community relations across the city.

“A lot of hard work has been put into this project over many years to make it happen and to everyone involved I would like to say a big thank you.

“As we look forward to celebrating 40 years of The Cathedral Youth Club come September, the MUGA pitch will certainly set the scene,” she said.

Iris Barker, Head of Property Services Division with the Western Education and Library Board (WELB) said the facilities would enable children to grow and learn in an outdoor environment that is satisfying, stimulating and adaptable to changing needs.

She said the delights of the outdoors are among the deepest, most passionate joys of children as well as contributing to their health and well-being.

“The Board wishes the local community well as they commence use of this excellent games area.” she commented.

Mayor of Londonderry Maurice Devenney said: “This is another example of successful partnership working between Central and Local Government, statutory agencies and local groups to bring about much needed sports and leisure provision in an area of social deprivation.

“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in this successful cross party arrangement on successfully developing under-utilised space for the benefit of the whole community.”

Mr McCausland also said: “This new multi use games area will deliver a much needed facility which will benefit both the primary school and the local community.

“It will also encourage a healthier, active lifestyle and provide opportunities for outdoor physical activity and exercise for residents of all ages.

“Although the Fountain Primary School has a play ground to the rear of the building, it is accessible to pupils during school time only. At the same time the Cathedral Youth Club which caters for some 125 youth/children between the ages of 0-25 has no indoor or outdoor sport or play provision.”

The project was funded through the Department for Social Development and Derry City Council was delivered by Council in partnership with the Western Education Library Board, The Fountain Primary School, the Cathedral Youth Club and the City Centre Initiative.