The Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Ruairí McHugh, has performed an official ceremony to mark the completion of the redevelopment works at the Mitchell Park development in Castlederg.

The work on the highly anticipated £3 million re-development, funded by the UK Government, aims to provide a state of the art 3G playing pitch that will accommodate competitive standard soccer matches at all levels, a GAA junior size pitch as well as mini-sized soccer pitches for youth football and recreational play.

The completed project, which forms part of phase 2 of the wider Derg Active project, also includes the construction of a coach education room, additional parking, greenway and a new outdoor trim trail adjacent to the new pitch.

Mayor McHugh, a native of Castlederg, was joined at the ceremony by Carol Mitchell, whose father Alex originally owned the farm where the pitch is situated and established the tradition of sport there by giving local youngsters access to play soccer.

Mayor McHugh performs the official opening of Mitchell Park with Carol Mitchell, daughter of Alex Mitchell the original owner of the field.

placeholder image — Mayor McHugh performs the official opening of Mitchell Park with Carol Mitchell, daughter of Alex Mitchell the original owner of the field.

The Mayor and Mrs Mitchell unveiled a plaque to mark the completion of the works along with local elected representatives and the local sports clubs and schools who will use the facility.

The Mayor said the completion of the project was positive news for the wider sports fraternity in the area.

“I am absolutely delighted to see this eagerly anticipated project come to fruition and that local clubs who play field sports can now avail of a state of the art facility on their doorstep,” he said.

“There has been great excitement in the area as the works progressed over the winter months and as a Castlederg man it has been a real highlight of my term in office to see the works completed after performing the turning of the sod last summer.

Mayor McHugh celebrates the completion of Mitchell Park with pupils from his old school St Patrick's Primary School and Nursery Unit.

“During the last 12 months, I’ve had a real insight into the positive role sport plays in community cohesion and creating an outlet for young people to express themselves and reap the health benefits of physical activity.

“This enhanced playing provision will make those benefits more accessible and will have a hugely positive impact for residents of the Derg Ward.”

For a project overview and latest updates on the wider Derg Active project visit www.derrystrabane.com/dergactive