Young Voices Bring Groomsport Play Park to Life with £170,000 Transformation

Children from Ballyholme Primary School joined the Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, to officially open the newly refurbished play area at Groomsport on Friday 12 June.

The play park has benefited from a £170,000 investment, transforming a facility that was due for refurbishment into a modern and inclusive space for local children and families to enjoy.

A key feature of the project was the involvement of local schoolchildren throughout the design process. Engagement sessions were held with pupils from Ballyholme Primary School, giving them the opportunity to view proposed designs, learn about different types of play equipment, ask questions and vote on their preferred options.

The feedback gathered during these sessions played an important role in shaping the final design, ensuring the new facility reflected the wishes and needs of the young people who would use it most. During these sessions, pupils highlighted a strong interest in interactive and energetic play features, including an in-ground trampoline and musical play equipment, both of which have been incorporated into the final design.

Following completion of the works, pupils were invited back to the finished play area to see how their ideas had been brought to life and to enjoy a morning of play on the new equipment.

The Mayor of Ards and North Down, Councillor Craig Blaney, said:

"It is fantastic to see this newly refurbished play park officially open and already being enjoyed by local children and families. This investment has created a modern, inclusive space that the whole community can be proud of. I'm especially pleased that local children played such an important role in shaping its design - this is a wonderful example of how involving young people can make a real difference. Their ideas have helped bring this space to life, ensuring it will be enjoyed for many years to come."

The project highlights the value of engaging children in community developments and demonstrates how their voices can help create welcoming and enjoyable spaces for future generations.

The refurbished play area now provides enhanced opportunities for outdoor play, physical activity and social interaction, representing a significant investment in the wellbeing of the local community. The new safety surfacing, made from Nike Grind recycled rubber, also supports the Council's sustainability ambitions. Created using recycled rubber from the manufacture of Nike trainers, each square metre contains the equivalent of material from around 24 pairs of worn-out sports shoes, giving new life to resources that would otherwise go to waste.