Play areas are officially opened at Magheralin and Dollingstown

Lord Mayor Cllr Julie Flaherty along with local school children, opened the new Play Park in Dollingstown. Â©Edward Byrne Photography

The Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon, Councillor Julie Flaherty, cut the ribbon at Dollingstown and Magheralin play parks, to celebrate the hard work that enabled these play parks in the capital play development programme to come to fruition.

“We have had a brilliant day today launching these two fantastic play parks, which I know the local community is delighted to have,” commented the Lord Mayor.

“Play is such an important part of childhood as it supports learning, enhances health and wellbeing, and supports the development of self-confidence. These brand new parks are a great way to enable children within these areas to get outside into the fresh air and to enjoy themselves.”

After consultation with the local community and schools in each area, a total of £175,000 was invested into the parks to completely refurbish the play areas, which now cater for all children up to the age of 14. At each park you will find a mixture of equipment including junior and senior swings, an inclusive roundabout, basket and cradle swing, as well as springers and spinners.

Pupils from King’s Park Primary School, Maralin Village Primary School, and St Patrick’s Primary School in Magherlin, attended the openings and were delighted to be among the first children to try out the new equipment.

Farrans were the lead contractor on the project, which was procured via public procurement specialist Scape’s National Major Works framework. This framework has since been superseded by Major Works England and Northern Ireland – part of Scape’s National Construction framework. Sub-contractor Garden Escapes, a specialist playground equipment company, supplied and installed the new equipment.

These parks form part of the £4.75m play strategy, which will see a number of parks across the borough being refurbished, alongside our commitment to non-fixed play, which is crucial to child development.

For more information, contact the play development officer on 028 3831 1684 or 07515 607 472.