Warrenpoint's historic Municipal Park has been successfully restored following a series of upgrade works to its facilities.

The Edwardian park will officially reopen tomorrow, Friday 31 August.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council received funding of £850,000 from the Heritage Lottery Fund's Parks for People Programme, and the Council itself provided significant funding for the project. The work was overseen by main contractors, Quinn Automatic, and will safeguard the Park's many historic features for future generations.

The Park opened in 1907 and is listed on the Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest Northern Ireland. The Pavilion building, dating from the 1930s, has been restored to become the Park's Interpretative Centre.

The restoration work has improved access to the Park and its facilities. The original Edwardian planting has been reinstated, pathways resurfaced and new street furniture has been installed, including lighting, seats, bins, a park shelter, park notices and signage.

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Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairman, Councillor Mark Murnin said: "I am delighted that the Park has been so sympathetically restored and future generations will be able to enjoy its splendours. For over one hundred years the Park has been part of the local community who, as part of the project, have had the opportunity to have a say in its future.

"The children's play area has been upgraded with new play equipment and play surfaces. The tennis courts have been upgraded to become an informal games area with specialist surfacing for tennis and other games.

"Now that the Park is open, a programme of activities and events for the community and visitors will provide opportunities for users to enjoy this beautiful and historic park."

Sheila McClelland, Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) Northern Ireland Committee member added: "We are delighted to celebrate the re-opening of Warrenpoint Park. This beautifully restored park has taken a lot of hard work and we congratulate everyone involved.

"HLF have supported the restoration and regeneration of historic parks across Northern Ireland with over £13m of National Lottery investment. If you have ever bought a National Lottery ticket then you should pop along to the regenerated park and be proud of what you have helped to achieve.

"It's also well-known that public parks play a vital role in our health and well-being so it is great to see that Warrenpoint Municipal Park is another special place which can continue to be used and loved by the local community and visitors for generations to come."

Members of the local community have been involved with the project from the beginning and will continue to be actively involved in the next phase of the project.

(CM/MH)