Since 2021, a total of 25 play parks have already been upgraded within the district thanks to an investment amounting to more than £2.2m, with some of these play parks surpassing expectations to achieve gold standard, based on the Fields in Trust guidance.
The continued improvements are to be made for the enjoyment of tens of thousands of children now and in the future, which was the message from Councillor John McClaughry, Chair of Fermanagh & Omagh District Council.
"Play parks are fun and exciting places for children to play and learn, and they also play an important role in their physical development," he said.
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"The goal of Fermanagh and Omagh's Play Park Strategy is to bring all Council play park facilities to silver standard. The Council has exceeded this by enhancing the overwhelming majority of play parks to gold standard, based on the Fields in Trust guidance.
"This level of achievement means that children across the district can enjoy high quality play facilities now and in the years to come.
"As well as raising the standards of the facilities and creating more opportunities for the children to have fun, we are also ensuring that our parks have accessible features, so children of all abilities can enjoy them."
Some of the play parks which have already been upgraded include Queen’s Park in Lisbellaw, Rusheen in Garrison, Castle Park in Lisnaskea, St Davog's on Belleek, Grange Park in Omagh, Ecclesville in Fintona and Fox Park, Drumnakilly.
Further play park upgrade works planned for the coming year include Old Rossory, Enniskillen; Cappagh Villas, Gortin; Gortview / Lisanelly, Omagh and Sally's Wood, Irvinestown.
In a number of other areas the Council is investing in the transformation of play parks to new open community spaces, such as planting gardens and green space for all ages, including Beechgrove in Killyclogher and Gortrush in Strule.
Cllr McClaughry added: "I look forward to see the works completed at these play parks. These works will see them upgraded to silver or gold, meaning children will have some of the very best parks around to play in."
