£500,000 Boost For Five Children's Play Parks

The starting date for the project is expected to be in August. Local residents, parents and children will also get an opportunity to comment on their new play park once it is completed. [caption id="attachment_26436" align="alignright" width="450" caption="At the launch of the Children'sPlay Park Project were , back row, Down District Councillors Mickey Coogan, Terry Andrews, Eamonn Mac Con Midhe, Eamonn O'Neill, Patrick Clarke and Liam Johnston with, middle row, Anne McAleenan, Council Chairman Cllr Dermot Curran and Marie Ward, Council Group Chief Building Control Officer. Up front are young Aaron Patterson and Christopher McAleenan looking over the plans for the play areas.xa0"][/caption] The play parks are being installed across the district to bring the play areas in line with EU regulations on safety standards. Equipment installed will be for very young children to 16-year olds of all abilities. Marei Ward, Down District Council Chief Building Control Officer, said, “We welcome the opportunity to develop a planned and responsible programme to ensure all of our play areas meet the current standards and community requirements within a realistic timescale. “Our parks and open spaces are recognised for their high quality and we feel that it is important that out play areas reflect this.” Each of the political parties were represented in a Play Park Working Party which helped review the provision of play parks across the district. Down District Council is encouraging community groups who have an idea for a play park facility to contact the Recreation Department on 028 44 61 0814 0r e-mail: [email protected] Staff will advise or assist on the possibility of funding support and would encourage community groups to seek a subsidy from other funding agencies.]]>