Play Parks in your area - Council invites people to give views

Local people are being urged to give their views on play parks in their area. (Photo Lorcan Doherty)

The meetings will take place over the coming weeks to engage community groups, local politicians, and the public to seek their views on how the strategy should be shaped.

The consultation is part of Derry City and Strabane District Council’s Play Plan strategy to improve facilities for local children, giving them access to open spaces and high quality play equipment.

Mayor Michaela Boyle encouraged people to take the opportunity to identify needs in their own areas.

“Council is committed to providing the best play opportunities for all children and the workshops open up that conversation to involve local people in creating a new approach to delivering play provision across Derry and Strabane.

“We are aware that there are areas that have been overlooked in terms of facilities and this process will help us gain a comprehensive view of existing play provision and those areas of greatest need.

“I would really encourage local communities to avail of this opportunity to speak out for their own area and ensure that we can develop the best approach to meeting the needs of children of all ages and abilities right across the City and District.”

A detailed audit will be carried out as part of the Play Plan process and a full review of all current play facilities.

A number of areas will be considered, including barriers to play and the impacts of social deprivation, as well as exploring the needs of specific groups of children and young people including those with a disability. It will also agree a methodology, rationale and development criteria to guide future investment of fixed play provision.

Play Development Officer with Council, Helen Turton, said: “Children have the right to be able to play and enjoy the freedom and health benefits of open spaces and play facilities, especially in built up and deprived areas. We want to focus our efforts on identifying where these facilities are needed most and we need the help of local communities to ensure we can develop a targeted and effective strategy.”

Meetings are scheduled to take place in each District Electoral Area throughout November and December. Anyone who can’t attend an event is welcome to contact Alan Herron at PlayBoard NI directly and people are encouraged to fill in a special questionnaire for Children and Young People, Parents and Carers or Community Providers.

Separate consultation events are planned for children and young people in the New Year and follow up DEA meetings will also be held to present the findings from the consultation process.

You can record your views online by filling in the survey available for a 12-week period via the Council website at: www.derrystrabane.com/playconsultationMeetings will take place at the following locations throughout November and December:

12th November: Ballyarnett, location: The Leafair Centre

14th November: Moor, The Guildhall

19th November: Waterside, location: Waterside Theatre

21st November: Sperrin, Location: Artigarvan Community Hall

26th November: Derg, Location: Derg Valley Healthy Living Centre, Castlederg

27th November: Foyleside, Location: Brooke Park Horticultural Centre

3rd December: Faughan, YMCA, Drumahoe

5th December: Strabane Location: Civic Room Strabane Library