Work begins on £570,000 Derry play parks

Social Development Minister, Maurice Morrow, has visited Derry to cut the first sod for two new play parks in the Waterside area of the city.

The facilities, located in Irish Street and Rose Court, will provide much needed play activities for the children of these areas and both have received equal funding of £285,000 from the Department for Social Development (DSD) under the Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal Strategy.

Cutting the first sod of the new play parks Minister Morrow said the children from both Irish Street and Rose Court would “benefit greatly” from the investment in these new play parks.

He added: “They will not only provide a much needed source of fun and enjoyment for families and young people in the areas but will reduce opportunities for vandalism and anti-social behaviour both of which I know have been of major concern to the local residents.

“The projects will create an environment where parents will consider it safe to allow their children to have access to play whilst improving their health and well being.”

Both play parks will be finished in time for the summer season and will be managed and maintained by Derry City and Strabane District Council.

The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Elisha McCallion, said she was delighted to see the work commence on the playpark projects:

“It’s fantastic that work is now beginning on what will be two vital community resources for the Waterside area.

“The new play parks at Irish Street and Rose Court will be welcome recreational spaces which will be utilised by the many young families living in the area.

“I would like to thank DSD, Council, Waterside Neighbourhood Partnership, Irish Street Community Association and Top of the Hill 2020 for their work in delivering these projects and their ongoing commitment to the area. I look forward to seeing the new facilities move quickly towards completion.”

Photo shows Social Development Minister Lord Morrow and the Deputy Mayor of Derry and Strabane District Council, Alderman Thomas Kerrigan, pictured with Thomas McKane, TD McKane, contractors, Alderman David Ramsey, Claire Russell, Manager, Irish Street Community Association, Gary Middleton, MLA, and Alderman Drew Thompson.