A £2.3 million programme to improve play parks across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough has moved forward with the appointment of Garden Escapes Ltd as the main contractor.
The ABC Council investment will fund the refurbishment of 12 existing play parks and the development of five new play parks over the next two years. The Capital Play Development Programme is expected to run from 2026 to 2028.
First work expected at three parks
Work is expected to begin later this year at the first three locations in the programme: Abercorn Park in Portadown, Pinebank play park in Craigavon and Huntly play park in Banbridge.
The council said it will engage directly with local communities and stakeholders over the coming weeks on the plans for each play park. Further details will be released as the programme progresses.
Council describes investment as major commitment
Lord Mayor Councillor Mary O’Dowd joined council officers and Richard Stuart, managing director of Garden Escapes Ltd, to mark the contractor’s appointment. Claire Duddy, the council’s head of Climate, Sustainability & Parks, was also named in the announcement.
“This is a very important investment by the Council, which will deliver real and tangible benefits to children and young families right across this borough. “Play is essential to children’s development and I am delighted that the Council is making this major commitment to the next generation. Our children are our future and our playparks are vital community spaces that must be cherished.”
The announcement means the contractor has been appointed, but the council has not yet released the full schedule or detailed designs for all 17 projects. Residents will receive more information as the works programme develops.