Strathfoyle play park has been made a more inclusive destination with the installation of new equipment.

The new-look facility has reopened to the public, boasting a new ground flush roundabout, a ground flush trampoline and a spinning dish as well as a bound safety surface.

A total of £27,000 was provided through the Department for Communities' Access and Inclusion Programme for the work, with £20,883 match funding provided by Derry City and Strabane District Council. Garden Escapes was the contractor for the project, with the designs put together by the Council.

The upgrades followed a presentation by members of the Enagh Youth Forum to Council's Environment and Regeneration committee, which was supported by findings from the Play Value Audit.

Communities Minister Deirdre Hargey said: "I am delighted that my Department was able to support this project through its Access and Inclusion Programme which is aimed at addressing the physical barriers to engagement in arts, culture and active recreation by people with disabilities. The importance of play in the development of our children and young people cannot be underestimated. The addition of this equipment will no doubt provide hours of fun by providing an inclusive environment to enjoy."

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Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District Council, Councillor Sandra Duffy commented: "It's brilliant to see the fitting of these new additions now completed at Strathfoyle play park which will make an incredible difference to the lives of so many young people in the local community. We heard directly from those young people in their 'Nothing Without Us' presentation when they spoke so maturely about how important it is to add this equipment to ensure that everyone feels included and can have fun with all their friends. By making these changes we have created a space that is welcoming to all – one that is in line with Council's Play Plan and Green Infrastructure Plan, providing social and environmental benefits.

"I want to offer a huge congratulations to the members of Enagh Youth Forum for their passion and dedication in getting this project across the line and I know that it will be a very busy and buzzing meeting place for so many young people this summer and beyond." 

Paul Hughes, Enagh Youth Forum representative, added: "We are over the moon to see this work completed which makes our play park a more inclusive and enjoyable space for all members of our community. Our young members spoke very well in front of the Council about why this project is so important to them, and we are delighted to have worked alongside all of the partners involved to deliver these changes that our young people campaigned for."