Residents and visitors explain why they love coming to Newtownabbey's parks

We took a trip to Hazelbank and the Jordanstown Loughshore on one of the rare occasions the sun has made an appearance this summer to find out what the people there liked about the area.

Hannah was enjoying a meal at the picnic tables beside the car park at Hazelbank.

She explained: “I’m originally from Lisburn and recently moved to Newtownabbey.

"I moved here because of the affordability of accommodation. I like coming to Hazelbank because on a day like today, it’s really beautiful and I’m lucky to have it on my doorstep.”

Joanie and Linda from Belfast were walking their dogs in the expansive grounds of Hazelbank, located just off Rushpark Roundabout.

They said: “We haven’t been here for a while and fancied a run out to Newtownabbey.

"There’s lovely scenery here at Hazelbank with the views over Belfast Lough. It’s been tidied up a good bit since we were here last and the paths are very clean. It’s a great place for walking the dogs.”

Margaret, who lives in Newtownabbey, was also walking her dog on the pathways beside the shore.

She stated: “The area is really beautiful. It’s a great place to walk and you can walk all the way to Belfast from here.

"It’s easy to access, although sometimes the parking can be in short supply.

"I go open water swimming in the lough and it’s really enjoyable. It’s also flat for cycling and you’ll always see a lot of people on their bikes.

"It’s nice to be able to get so close to the sea.”

Newtownabbey resident Alan is a regular visitor to Hazelbank.

Detailing why the area is special to him, he said: “There are a lot of places to walk. I can come down here each day and look at the lough and you would always be able to paint a different picture, with the boats passing and birds diving in. The view changes all the time. There are kids down playing on the beach and it’s a very happy and contented place.

"I think everyone gets good value out of it, coming out for a picnic or barbecues, or just sitting on the grass or exercising their dogs.”

Long-term Glengormley residents, Mr and Mrs Plunkett, were just setting off on their walk from the car park and took time to speak about the local beauty spots they enjoyed visiting.

They said: “We’ve lived in Glengormley for 56 years. Hazelbank is beautiful, expecially when the weather is nice. We’d also go to the Six Mile Water Park in Ballyclare. It’s nice and flat and the park is lovely with the river flowing through it. We appreciate having these lovely places on our doorstep. They are great places for families.

"Sometimes it can be hard to get a parking space, but we’re lucky that we can come during the week when it’s not just as busy.”

At the nearby Jordanstown Loughshore, Uel and Ruth from Banbridge were enjoying the scenic view over Belfast Lough.

They said: “We’re on our way home from Portrush and came down the coastal route, through all the lovely wee villages. We got to Jordanstown and decided to stop off and grab a coffee.

"The park is nice and clean and dog owners are being responsible. We would recommend it to anyone who was visiting the area.”

Rosie and Kallyiel were enjoying a drink outside the venue’s coffee shop.

They explained: “We’re both from Newtownabbey and it’s great to be so close to the sea. The Loughshore is good because it has the coffee shop.

"Plus, the walks here are flat. Hazelbank is lovely, but there are hills.

"It’s great to see people coming to these facilities, but parking can be an issue at times.

"There is the bandstand and bands will come down at the weekends, which adds to the atmosphere.

“The play park here is great for the children too and there are pieces of equipment for children with additional needs, so it’s inclusive.

"The flowers and plants are always well maintained and the exercise machines located around the place are always being used.”

They added: “For anyone wanting to see some wildlife, there’s always plenty to see here, including swans and seals.

"You always see open water swimmers too, it’s a popular spot for them.

"Plus, there’s the caravan site, so there are international visitors. You could be sitting having a coffee and meeting people from around the world.

"We would come here a lot and even on a wet day, it’s still enjoyable.

"More could be done to promote the Loughshore and Hazelbank as a tourist offering. You have visitors coming here and they can see over Belfast Lough to north Down and the city and they’re heading to places on the other side of the lough.”

Friends Margaret (Ballyhackamore) and Sarah (Doagh Road, Newtownabbey), were also enjoying a cup of tea at the coffee shop.

Margaret stated: “It’s great to be able to catch up over a tea or coffee here and enjoy the scenic views.”

Sarah explained: “I’ve been coming here with my family for years and it almost feels like it’s my back garden!

"I would come here with my grandchildren now and it’s a great place for them, they have a lot of fun.

"The bands here at the bandstand over the summer are great and there’s a variety of music played.

"The Covid-19 pandemic really opened the place up and we were lucky to have it so close to us when we weren’t able to travel too far.

“The King’s Coronation Garden at Hazelbank is also lovely to visit. Plus, the floral arrangements on the roundabout at Rushpark throughout the year are beautiful.”