Downpatrick SDLP Councillor Gareth Sharvin has called on Down District Council to work with local government agencies and community groups to find a way forward in renovating the local play parks at the New Model Farm in Downpatrick and at the Millfield in Killough.
Councillor Sharvin, who recently raised the concerns of local residents living in the local area of New Model Farm at Council’s Recreation and Community Services committee. He said: “At the meeting I highlighted the feelings of local residents towards the out dated play park in New Model Farm. Local children and parents want to see a play park that is modern and offers more active play time. The current play park has become old and does not offer the children of New Model Farm anything entertaining and active.
“Council officers pointed out that they have organised a meeting with the local Neighbourhood Renewal team and also have contacted the Department of Social Development to seek support in finding a way of delivering a new play park for the people of New Model Farm. At a recent meeting it was decided that the New Model Farm play park was a high priority of areas for improvement and this must be followed up by action.
Speaking on the play park in Killough, Councillor Gareth Sharvin added: “The facility at the Millfield was a key facility to the community of Killough. The play park requires an update with equipment that offers the children of Killough a safe and fun place to place. The current conditions are not acceptable and I have highlighted the short-term fixes needed to improve the play park to council officers. These improvements include soft surfacing, equipment fixes and general appearance.
“There is an opportunity for Down District Council to apply to DRAP or the DSD to seek funding support in improving the play park at the Millfield in Killough. A total renovation of the play park would be a vast improvement on the current play park and one the community of Killough would greatly appreciate. I have therefore asked council officers to work with local community groups and residents to see how best to move forward in delivering this needed improvement to the play park.”
“As part of the Down District Council’s legacy, I see play park’s being important in providing our communities with their own legacy.” Councillor Sharvin added.
]]>
