New play park on the way

The application for the relocation and replacement of a children’s play area at Rectory Park was lodged by Council and as such required the committee’s approval.

Members were advised that the application has received no objections.

The new play area will be located 40 metres west of 42-47 Moeran Park, Portadown and committee members were advised the new play area will include a variety of new play equipment and will be fenced off by a 2.4 metre high ibex weldmesh fencing/gate.

There are six pieces of play equipment proposed for the play area, with a seating area and a litter bin. The surfacing of the play area will consist of rubber safety surfacing around the equipment with open textured bitmac.

The proposed play equipment is as follows: Large adventure themed play unit for ages 4+; three-bay swing with inclusive unit; accessible inclusive unit for ages 1+; inclusive accessible wheel spin; bumblebee accessible spring rocker and an auditory sensory play panel.

The area of the new site is 302 sqm including footpaths.

The existing play park will be removed and replaced with grass and a new path will link the park ot Moeran Park.

Following a presentation on the application Councillor Paul Duffy asked if lighting will be installed on the new footpath.

A council plannersaid no lighting was to be installed as part of this application but did say an application for lighting could come at a later date.

The Chair of the committee, Councillor Darren McNally asked who would be responsible for the new footpath and was informed it would remain the Council’s property.

Following a question from Councillor Sam Nicholson about the accessibility of the play park, the planner confirmed the new play area is designed to cater to all abilities and ages. The application was then approved with all members signalling their support.