New 3D animations have been released, revealing a first look at two new play areas in Newtownabbey, Co Antrim.

The new areas will be built at Lilian Bland and Rathcoole Leisure Park, with work starting this spring ahead of completion by the end of the summer.

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council is investing £850,000 in the works, which will see a major extension and refurbishment of the popular park features.

The £450,000 Lilian Bland Community Park project includes the accessible play equipment, new basketball court and the incredible airplane themed attraction with its airport runway landscaping and control tower activity centre.

A Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) is also being relocated to the site of the current tennis courts.

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The park is named after one of the Borough's most notable residents, Lilian Bland, who in 1910 became the first woman to build and fly a plane in the UK and Ireland after testing it at Carnmoney Hill.

The £400,000 Rathcoole Leisure Park scheme involves an extension to the current play area, new accessible play equipment, safety surfacing, fencing and street furniture.

Both areas can be viewed via innovative 3D videos.

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Michael said: "The play areas at Lilian Bland and Rathcoole are really shaping up to be something very special indeed.


"The parks have always been at the heart of the community and the new play areas will ensure they remain a valuable resource for everyone for years to come.


"These exciting upgrades will provide access for all and will hopefully encourage everyone, especially young people, to get active outdoors and enjoy the fabulous features the parks have to offer."

The video of the Lilian Bland play area can be accessed here.

A 3D tour of the Rathcoole Leisure Park is available below.