MAYOR of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Cllr Brian Tierney, has visited the site of a new play area in Magheramason after work got underway on the £635,000 Council funded project.
Contractors Haffey Sports Ground began work last Monday on the new play area and free-play Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) on the site of the old play facility located on Mason Road in Magheramason.
The equipment in the state-of-the-art play area – which will cater for children of all ages and abilities – will include a wheelchair accessible ground flush roundabout, two multi-units with towers for younger and older children with climbing nets and slides, and a variety of swings with adapted swing seats, as well as an eight-metre high space net and a zip line.
Both the play area and MUGA will be located in a landscaped grass area with tree planting, seating areas, cycle stands and fully inclusive picnic tables and paths, which ties in with Council’s Green Infrastructure Plan which focuses on utilising natural spaces to provide environmental, economic and social benefits.
Mayor Brian Tierney said he was delighted to see the work getting underway on a valued project to the local community.
“I know that the initial news about the project was very warmly welcomed by the Magheramason community and I’m delighted to visit the site as work gets underway on this new play area which will have something for children of all ages and abilities.
“The plans in place of what will be delivered here are very exciting, and it’s great that the children in the local vicinity will be able to enjoy physical exercise and each other’s company – something that we as Council feel is extremely important.
“These areas are so often the heart of a community, and I’m sure the excitement is building around Magheramason now that work has gotten underway.
“It won’t be long before this top-of-the-range play area will be buzzing with activity and laughter! Congratulations to all involved.”
Susan McElwee, community representative for Magheramason, added: “There is tangible excitement in the local area about this new facility which will be fantastic for all in the community, particularly our children.
“We have moved another step closer now with the work getting underway and I know there will be plenty of excited residents, both young and older, who are counting down the days until it is completed.
“Our thanks to Derry City and Strabane District Council for their continued work in bringing this exceptional facility to Magheramason.”
