New French Boules Court unveiled in Derry park as part of BLOOM project

The new resource was created as a direct outcome of a consultation with local residents on what facilities they would like to see in the park.

The court measures an impressive 15x3 meters and is suitable for players of all ages and abilities.

The BLOOM Project participants said they took the suggestion from residents seriously and, when Action Mental Health were keen to get on board and volunteer to build it, they did not hesitate.

The new amenity complements the existing disc golf course.

The BLOOM Project is funded by the National Lottery Community Fund and is dedicated to creating a community hub where everyone has the opportunity to become active outdoors, develop and share skills, volunteer, and become part of a thriving community.

The participants said the initiative aligns with the project's core values of connecting with oneself, each other, and the environment.

Bayan Smith, a representative from the BLOOM Project, emphasized the project's ethos of providing meaningful volunteering opportunities for local groups and individuals, stating: "Through volunteering with us, people get the chance to learn new skills, get outdoors, meet new people and crucially, to contribute to the upkeep and development of space that is enjoyed free of charge, by thousands of people from across the City.

"My colleague Liam and I, are delighted to see people enjoy it and engage in a bit of healthy competition, we hope to see it used a lot this summer and during office hours you can borrow a set of boules from our reception. In the coming weeks we’re hoping to add a horseshoes court too.”

The court is expected to become a popular destination for locals and visitors alike, further enriching the activities available through St. Columb’s Park House.

Damien Bonner from Action Mental Health said this has been a “tremendous volunteering opportunity for our client group, it improves their confidence, their self-esteem and gives them a sense of purpose in the knowledge that they are giving back to their local community”.

"This experience has enabled the client group to bring alive the 5 ways to well-being for themselves in their daily lives,” he added.

For more information about St. Columbs Park House's BLOOM Project and its initiatives, contact Bayan Smith at [email protected]