Clarke Welcomes Plans For Downs Road Playpark Upgrade

Newcastle’s Downs Road playpark to go to consultation for a maajor upgrade.

Following a decision at the Active and Healthy Committee meeting on Monday evening (18th January 2021)of Newry Mourne and Down District Council, it was agreed to proceed with a consultation on the main playpark in the centre of Newcastle and upgrade the facility.

The popular playpark is visited by thousands of tourists and visitors each year during their stay in Newcastle and visits to the Mourne’s area as well as enjoyed by local residents,

Mournes Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke  is urging residents to have their say on a planned upgrade of the Downs Road play park in Newcastle.

Newcastle Councillor Willie Clarke is delighted at the decision to upgrade the Downs Road playpark in Newcastle.

Sinn Féin Councillor Willie Clarke, delighted with the decision to upgrade the play park, said: “The decision will be warmly welcomed by local residents and visitors alike. The Downs Road playpark has to be a flagship facility.

“I have been campaigning for several years for the current play equipment to be upgraded and to have resources transferred from the original proposal in the local authority’s play strategy which was to upgrade play equipment at the nearby Newcastle Centre into improving the key facility at the Downs Road play park.”

Cllr Clarke added: “Given that the local authority is surveying what people would like to see provided, it is essential they respond to this consultation.

“I would encourage all play park users to respond to this survey as it is vitally important that all-ability equipment will be provided to cater for children with special needs.

“The views and opinions of children, young people and communities are highly important to the council and will provide the organisation with an opportunity to actively participate in the process of improving play experiences.”

Keep your eye on the Council website for details of the consultation when it opens.

www.newrymourneanddown.org