Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has worked alongside Choice Housing to relocate the Dungoyne Play Park to its new location adjacent to the Ballybeen Sport & Wellbeing Hub in Dundonald.
This marks the completion of the latest phase of the project addressing the needs of the local community. The entire project included: the development of a new grass football pitch, floodlit 3G MUGA pitch, changing pavilion, dog exercise area, off road parking, footpaths and now the newly relocated and revamped play park.
Councillor Sharon Skillen, Leisure & Community Development Committee Chair, officiating at the opening, said: “Through community partnership working with Ballybeen Improvement Group and Choice Housing we are delighted to have completed the works to improve the physical and mental health of our residents. The new play park has been fitted with several pieces of wheelchair friendly play equipment allowing children of all abilities the opportunity to play alongside each other.
“The council is committed to encouraging its younger residents to get active and socialise. To support them we have created a state-of-the-art play facility in the heart of Ballybeen, Dundonald. I would like to thank Choice Housing for their assistance in the provision of this much needed community facility.
“Leisure and play time is vital in the development of a child’s cognitive, emotional and physical growth. Our investment in community play parks as safe locations for children to retreat to and relax after a busy day or perhaps expend their excess energy is important to us. As our play parks are for the enjoyment of everyone I would ask that parents know where their children are at all times,” concluded Councillor Skillen.
Michael McDonnell, Group Chief Executive of Choice Housing added: “Choice have invested more than £6m in the area, providing much needed housing to local people in Lisburn & Castlereagh. We are delighted to be involved in the development of Ballybeen Square, which is an integral part of the wider regeneration of the Ballybeen Estate. As with every Choice scheme across Northern Ireland, we believe in providing more than just bricks and mortar, we offer safe and secure homes for people who need them. We also believe in becoming part of those communities we develop in and I’m pleased to see the playpark, which formed part of our very early discussions with the community unveiled yesterday.
Community spirit, health and wellbeing are very important within Lisburn Castlereagh and this re-opened Dungoyne Play Park is part of the council’s Local Investment Plan 2020/21.
