The Westlands playground at Waterworks Park North Belfast has undergone refurbishment works as part of a council playground programme.
£300,000 of investment went into the playground, which now includes new and interactive play equipment.
The council Playground Improvement Programme has been in place since 2012. Belfast City Council says it "has helped transform play parks across the city into safe, inviting, inclusive and exciting places for children to play and socialise." The local authority manages 101 playgrounds across the city.
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The new play equipment in Westlands playground includes a wheelchair accessible swing, inclusive roundabout, and acoustic equipment for sensory play, alongside more traditional equipment, such as swings, climbing units and slides for all ages.
Work has also been carried out on the area surrounding the playground, including improvements to the paths to allow better access to the facility.
Councillor Micky Murray, Chair of the People and Communities Committee at Belfast City Council, welcomed the investment. He said: “It’s brilliant to see play parks being given a new lease of life through our Playground Improvement Programme.
"This investment underlines the positive commitment Belfast City Council continues to make in supporting communities. Playgrounds offer a safe and welcoming environment for children to meet and play, encouraging them from a young age to be active, helping to encourage healthier lifestyles which is of course a key focus of our Belfast Agenda. The new equipment will be enjoyed by children of all ages and abilities.”
In the 2021-22 year, only Vere Foster playground was refurbished. At present the Sally Gardens play area is closed for refurbishment as part of the Playground Improvement Scheme.
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