New Play Park Opens in Newtownhamilton

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey was delighted to officially open the Jim Steen play park, Newtownhamilton on Saturday 26 October, with the help of the local community group, local councillors and residents.

As part of the official opening, the local community group organised an incredible morning of events with face painting and magicians as well as a special visit from Buzz Lightyear to encourage families to come out and experience the new play amenities.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Charlie Casey said, “It is a pleasure to officially open such a wonderful facility, which I am certain will be an integral part of the local community. It is important that all children have a safe and inclusive place to meet and play and the Council aims to be an active and positive part within all the communities that it represents. With state of the art play equipment, open access to the carpark to attract local football clubs to use the football pitch and a new ball stop around the play pitch to protect children using the play park, the park is a welcome asset to the area.”

Chairperson, Councillor Casey continued, “The Council would like to thank the community group and residents for all their help in making this park possible, along with Councillors, NIHE and contractors who worked hard to deliver an extraordinary sport and play venue for the entire community of Newtownhamilton.”

New fencing by Northern Ireland Housing Executive (NIHE) enhanced the entrance to the park, which the community group decorated with flowerboxes and bunting for the celebrations. The Council installed fencing around the carpark and removed the gates to improve access for people visiting, and to give the park a rural look, the designers installed grass mats under the equipment.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council’s Play Strategy, which was launched in May 2017, emphasises that all children should be encouraged to play, and like all play parks which the Council has recently opened in the district, it has been installed with inclusive play amenities. At its focal point sits the inclusive roundabout and there is also a large ground level trampoline as well as multi units for play and sensory equipment.

The new park is located in Jim Steen Park, Dungormley Estate, Newtownhamilton.  For more information on the location of 117 play parks across the district, along with other locations of sports facilities and events, download the NMD Be Active app and add ‘NMDOutdoor.’

Further information is available from Council’s website www.newrymournedown.org or from E: leisureandsport@nmandd.org.