Play and Explore Park Moss Road Park, Ballygowan

The Play and Explore Park is an exciting project at Moss Road Park, located directly behind the Recycling Centre in Ballygowan. The Park will include a walking and running path and an older children's play provision.

The project will be delivered in two phases:

Phase 1 - the development of a 1km walking and running path
Phase 2 - the installation of an older children's play provision

Phase 1 - Walking and Running Path

The new walking and running path will surround the football pitches and will weave through existing trees and regain access through areas which are currently overgrown. The new path will create a loop that welcomes users of all ages to enjoy, encouraging outdoor activity, promoting health and wellbeing, whilst promoting an active lifestyle for all.

The path will provide the opportunities for parkrun, inviting individuals and families to engage in regular outdoor exercise and enjoy the benefits of community fitness.

The path has been developed in collaboration with the local community group and is funded under the Small Settlements Programme (collaboration between the Department for Communities, Department for Infrastructure and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs)

It is proposed that work will commence onsite in Summer 2025 for the new walking and running path.

The plans can be viewed below:

Play and Explore Park - Proposed Plan (PDF, 717 KB) (opens new window)

Play and Explore Park - Phase 1a (PDF, 21 MB) (opens new window)

Play and explore Park Phase 1b (PDF, 26 MB) (opens new window)

Play and Explore Park - Phase 2 (PDF, 75 MB) (opens new window)

Please provide any feedback to regeneration@ardsandnorthdown.gov.uk no later than Monday 19 May 2025.

Phase 2 - Older Children's Play Provision

Ards and North Down Play Strategy 2021- 2032 highlighted the need for older children provision in Ballygowan, this is proposed at Moss Road.

There are a range of options to be considered for the older children's play provision such as a MUGA, Skate Park, Pump Track or Parkour.

Have Your Say on the type of older children's play provision to be considered. Follow the link https://bit.ly/ballygowan to complete the survey.

The survey closes for responses on Monday 19 May 2025.

The outcomes of the survey will guide the decision on the play provision to be installed. It is anticipated an update on the decision will be provided to the community early June 2025.

In addition to the Walking and Running Path, and the older children's play provision, the site will also include the creation of a car park, which will facilitate 15 car parking spaces, wildflower planting, seating and picnic benches.

To find out more information on the Play and Explore Park, come along to the Public Engagement Session

Monday 28 April 2025
4pm - 7pm | Ballygowan Community Centre

Council officers will be present to provide further information and address any questions. This is a drop-in event; registration is not required.