Ballee Play Park gets £150,000 funding boost: Storey

One of his final acts as the Minister for the Department for Social Development Mervyn Storey MLA, announced funding of over £150,000 for a new play park in Ballee, Ballymena.

The Play area development will transform an unused grass area in Drumtara, within the Ballee estate, into a safe, high quality play park for use by local children.

The project will consist of two areas:

• Toddler Area – this area will include a triple tower offering varied and creative play for younger children as well as a crazy daisy spring toy, seesaw, swing and a bicycle roundabout
• Junior Area – this area will include a Playdale Big City London combination unit, which will provide an array of exciting activities to challenge older children, a roundabout, swing and two Kompan Galaxy spicas

In addition the ground area will have exciting and colourful graphics  - hopscotch, a sun dial and a number snake.  Attractive planting will finish off this area.

Minister Storey said: “This new play park will not only provide a much needed source of fun and enjoyment for families and young people in the Drumtara area of Ballee, it will also bring an unused grass area into use, thereby reducing opportunities for vandalism and anti-social behaviour.”

“This project forms part of my Department’s Neighbourhood Renewal strategy to improve the quality of life for the young people in some of our most deprived neighbourhoods with play activities nurturing important social skills from a young age. The project 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.”

The project will be delivered by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council. The Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough, Councillor Billy Ashe also commented: “Mid and East Antrim Borough Council is delighted to receive £150,000 funding from the Department of Social Development for the provision of a new play park in Drumtara, Ballee.  This funding will help to provide a much needed facility which will benefit all young people of the area.

“Council is committed to improving the health and well-being of all its citizens and this play park will be welcomed by the local community.”

Notes to editors: 

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