Gilford Play Park

Overview

Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council developed a Play Strategy in March 2017 to establish a framework that relates to the provision of fixed play and the development of non-fixed play, across the Borough.

At its core, the Play Strategy acknowledges that play is a natural and fundamental aspect of children and young people’s lives that supports growth and development across a range of developmental areas including:

• Physical and mental health and wellbeing.
• Social development.
• Intellectual growth and learning.
• Practical skills development.
• Personal resilience, and
• Establishing a connection to wider society and the community in which children live.

As part of the play strategy a 5 year Capital Play Development Programme (2018-2023) aimed at enhancing play value in established fixed play areas indentified as most in need, filling geographical gaps in provision (providing it meets the criteria as set out in the Play Stategy i.e. 150 Children) and removing redundant fixed play areas and transforming the resultant sites for community use.

Why your views matter

As part of Council's Capital Development Programme a brand new Play Park will be built at Gilford with an investment of £100,000.00.

In our continuing effort to improve the quality of service provided by Armagh City, Banbridge & Craigavon Borough Council, we are inviting children, young people, parents and carers within the Gilford area to give us their views of this proposed Neighbourhood Play Park design. 

It should be noted that the current Play Park is located on a flood plain and cannot be used for the new Play Park.  The location of this new Play Park is the only available and suitable site for this new Play Park.

As a Neighbourhood Play Park a number of inclusive play items/equipment are being provided, which includes;

• A wheelspin roundabout (suitable for all abilities).
• Swinging suitable for children who can transfer.
• A mound suitable for all children to gain the perspective of height while playing along with a number of other sensory elements which you will see from the design.

The Basketball net just outside the Play Park will be retained.

Council is committed to its equality and good relations duties as set out under section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act 1998 and the Rural Need Act 2016 and as part of this consultation we would like to ensure that you/your organisation has every opportunity to express your view.