Local woman appeals for revamp for historic Jon ‘Ugg’ Clifford Bull Park

The citizen – who asked not to be named – complained that a spruce up of the facilities at the Jon Clifford Bull Park is long overdue.

Speaking to the ‘Journal’ she said: “A few years back the park got a much-needed revamp, was very popular and was visited by families from across the city but in recent years it has gone into a bit of decline.

“Any of my neighbours I am speaking to who have young children or teenagers say it badly needs to be upgraded.”

The famous park, bounded by Marlborough Terrace, Westland, ‘Thundering Down’ and the Little Diamond, was named after the legendary, late Tristar F.C. founder Jon 'Ugg' Clifford in 2013. ‘Ugg’ sadly passed away in 2011.

Users have been campaigning for a revamp for several years.

“You just have to look at the state of the small all-weather 5-a-side pitch and basketball court. It looks in a sorry state. Also in all my time living here I have never seen those flood lights on or even a sign up to tell you who to contact to have them knocked on even for a few hours,” the local resident said.

Sinn Féin MLA Pádraig Delargy, who grew up just a stone’s throw from the park, also says it is in need of an overhaul .

He said: “I am working with my party colleague Colr. Patricia Logue on an ongoing basis to do all we can with the Council to ensure that the park is kept in a good condition and raising any concerns of the local support group.

"Just a few weeks ago the equipment was painted, but clearly much more is needed. The equipment has aged, and the state of the basketball court needs to be looked at.

"I understand there is a finite budget, but we can’t let our park and play facilities suffer. The people of the area campaigned for many years to have the park upgraded.”

Last year the Council scraped weeds, power-hosed pathways in the park, emptied blocked drains and repaired the climbing frame, in order to improve the user experience, following lobbying.

A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said that play provision across the City and District has been reviewed and assessed for play value recently and it is acknowledged that an overall upgrade is required to services but cannot progress due to budget limitations.

The spokesperson confirmed that Jon Clifford Bull Park has been identified as a site for upgrade and that some minor repairs and remedial work at the site have taken place recently to enhance the user experience including a resurfacing and painting of the play park.

Council recognises that play is essential to the lives of children and young people, and it is committed to fulfilling the children's right to play by providing suitable and accessible facilities across Derry and Strabane.​

Council to spruce up Jon Clifford-Bull Park