Inclusive playpark opens ahead of summer holidays
Date published:
The playpark has been transformed into an inclusive playpark, specially designed so children of all abilities can play together.
It incorporates a wheelchair accessible roundabout, swing, low level lookout tower and trampoline as well as a dedicated sensory area.
Speaking at the opening, Sue Gray, Permanent Secretary at the Department of Finance said: “The new and improved Mo Mowlam Playpark is a fantastic facility which enables all children to play together in a safe environment.
“This state of the art area has been carefully planned, designed and created to cater for children of all abilities. Shared play is so important and inclusivity has been at the heart of this project and the range of equipment and dedicated sensory area reflects that.
“The previous playpark provided nearly 20 years of enjoyment and was widely used by youth groups, schools and families from right across Northern Ireland.
“I’ve no doubt the new playpark will be an even bigger success and bring so much joy to many children and families for generations to come. Combined with the educational trails, new accessible barbeque area and picnic park– the Stormont Estate makes for a family friendly, fun filled, free day out.”
Welcoming the inclusivity of the facility, Autism NI CEO, Kerry Boyd: “It is fantastic that the Department of Finance has created a unique play park that benefits children of all abilities, enabling social opportunities and accessibility to all. It is particularly exciting that the play park has a sensory section within it, which will be of great benefit to many of our autistic children. I hope that this new facility will enable our autism families to enjoy a fun day out in a safe and inclusive environment.”
The £800,000 investment has seen the creation of the playpark which includes a range of accessible equipment, a bespoke multi-sensory area, storytelling area and natural play zone, installation of new paths and safety surfaces to make the playpark fully accessible as well as refurbishment of the existing toilet block to include the addition of a new parent and baby room.
Highlighting the importance of play and welcoming the investment, Northern Ireland Commissioner for Children and Young People, Koulla Yiasouma said: “Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) states that play is vital to a child’s development and can impact on their health, well-being and future lives.
“It is also something that children and young people consistently raise with me, highlighting how important it is for them to have safe outdoor play areas and facilities.
“I therefore welcome the reopening of this inclusive play park today and look forward to it being replicated across Northern Ireland so that every child and young person has access to safe, affordable, accessible and age appropriate play within their communities.”
The project was completed by Eglinton based company, Hawthorn Heights.
Find out more about Stormont Estate at www.nidirect.gov.uk/stormontestate or on Instagram at www.instagram.com/stormontestate.
Notes to editors:
- The Stormont Estate play park was originally opened in October 1999 as a key element in a project driven by the then Secretary of State, Mo Mowlam, to open the Stormont Estate up to wider public use.
- The playpark is open during daylight hours seven days a week (summer opening hours 9.30am to 8.30pm).
- The old equipment had reached the end of its life and was no longer fit for purpose. The playpark includes over 40 individual pieces of equipment including a range of accessible equipment, a bespoke multi-sensory area, storytelling area and natural play zone.
- The overall project included a number of elements including; playpark equipment £300k), paths and paving to make the playpark fully accessible, safety surfaces and retaining wall (£286k), refurbishment of the existing toilet block to include addition of a new parent and baby room (£54k), site clearance, earthworks, drainage and landscaping (£122k) and design and construction fees & site overheads (£28k).
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