Contractor Milligan Bros has started construction work on a new £318,000 play area in Parkside, Sion Mills.

The play park is being delivered by Derry City and Strabane District Council with support from funding allocated by Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership under Priority 6 (LEADER) of the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme 2014-2020.

Works have started on the area that will have equipment to cater for children of all ages and abilities - including a wheelchair accessible ground flush roundabout, swings for different ages and abilities, sensory equipment and quiet areas with sound, visual and tactile elements. There will also be a zip line, a pendulum swing, an obstacle course, multi units with towers, climbing nets and slides for different ages.

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The park is in a natural setting, with play equipment located among trees, grass and meadow areas.

Sion Mills was identified by Derry and Strabane Rural Partnership as a strategic Village Renewal Project, with £195,000 in grant funding set aside for the new play park. The funding is part of the Rural Development Programme funded by DAERA and identified through public consultation and the 'Cluster Village Plan'. The Council is also contributing £123,000 to the new facility through their ongoing commitment to play provision.

Structural engineering consultancy firm Taylor & Boyd have been appointed to progress the park.

Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Cllr Brian Tierney, said: "This is fantastic and welcome news for the people of Sion Mills and the surrounding communities.

"This play area will help to promote social interaction between children and young people, as well as ensuring they are taking part in enjoyable physical activity.

"Council are working hard to progress play provision across the district, and this is another example of the strides being made.

"I welcome the commencement of work on this site and look forward to seeing the completed project, which no doubt will be enjoyed by many."