Ballyoran Play Park Re-Opens

June 22, 2017

Ballyoran Play Park, Ballybeen, has officially re-opened to the public.

Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council has invested approximately £95,000 in upgrading and reinstating the Play Park.

The renovation project involved public consultation as well as close working with local schools and community groups. As part of the process, Brooklands Primary School created artwork which will be permanently displayed at the play area as a reminder of their involvement in this project.

The official opening of the park was attended by Councillor Brian Bloomfield MBE, former Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh; Councillor Tim Morrow, former Chairman of the Council’s Leisure and Community Development Committee; representatives from Ballybeen Improvement Group; Pupils Council, Brooklands Primary School; teachers and Principal of Brooklands Primary School; Rebekah Rice, local resident; council staff and Therese Gorman, the local artist who inspired and guided the young people involved.

With the help of the artist and the teachers of Brookland Primary School, the young people were able to illustrate a montage that captured the spirit of the play area. Every child in the school, including the nursery unit, had a hand in the making of the original art work.

The original art piece proudly hangs in the school and a metal print has been made and mounted on the railing of the play area.

Councillor Brian Bloomfield MBE, former Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council said: “Children’s play facilities are so important within local communities. We are really pleased to see this play area re-opened after a major refurbishment, part of an ongoing programme of works across the Council area and we would like to thank everyone for their patience while the work was ongoing.

“With so many indoor activities nowadays and stories of parents prising technology out of children’s hands, to be able to go outside and get the proverbial fresh air is very satisfying.

“It is important for communities to have a go-to place like Ballyoran Park where children can socialise and exercise safely at the same time,” said Councillor Bloomfield MBE.

Speaking at the official opening of the park, the former Chairman of the Council’s Leisure and Community Development Committee, Councillor Tim Morrow thanked those involved in the production of the momentous art work.

Councillor Morrow said: “This play park is for all the children of the area and I would ask you all to look after what is a very special facility.

“This project is a great example of partnership working and it is amazing to see such involvement from the children of the Ballybeen area.

“I would also like to thank Garden Escapes, the contractor, for their tremendous work and look forward to the park being used by many generations to come,” said Councillor Morrow.