Play parks to be upgraded across Antrim and Newtownabbey

Antrim and Newtownabbey Council has announced that improvement works will commence on 25 of its play parks across the borough.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Jim Montgomery with local resident Luke Mullan enjoying the wheelchair accessible swing at Antrim Lough Shore play park.Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Jim Montgomery with local resident Luke Mullan enjoying the wheelchair accessible swing at Antrim Lough Shore play park.
Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Jim Montgomery with local resident Luke Mullan enjoying the wheelchair accessible swing at Antrim Lough Shore play park.

This investment will see the installation of new play equipment and extensions to existing play parks at a number of sites, along with the provision of accessible parking bays, resurfacing and the replacement of fencing at some locations.

In addition, accessible wheelchair swings will also be installed at play parks in Ballyclare, Crumlin, Jordanstown and Randalstown.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Cllr Jim Montgomery said: “Outdoor space for physical and imaginative play is vitally important to children’s development and health and so I am very pleased that we are making these improvements to our play parks.

“The council has worked hard over the last few years to improve the accessibility to our facilities and services and so it is fantastic that another four of our parks will have wheelchair accessible equipment, ensuring children of all abilities to can enjoy our parks together.”

The UUP representative added: “In making this announcement I was delighted to be joined by Morag and her son Luke who regularly enjoys our current accessible facilities.

“It was wonderful to meet them and learn more about the impact this type of investment has for a young person’s development and the value it adds to family life.”

The planned programme of works will commence in September with a phased closure of play parks while the works are ongoing.

Notices will be in place at each park outlining the expected closure dates.

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