A series of upgraded recreational and public spaces have been delivered through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) under the Communities and Place programme, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has announced.

The first of these projects, the upgrades of play parks at Brooke Crescent, Brookeborough and Tempo, were completed in July 2024, with the remaining four delivered over the course of the UKSPF funding period (April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025).

The completed playparks include: Brooke Crescent Play Park, Brookeborough; Tempo Play Park; Sally's Wood Play Park, Irvinestown; Old Rossory Play Park, Enniskillen; Gortview/Lisanelly Play Park, Omagh; Cappagh Villas Play Park, Omagh.

These six playparks have been upgraded achieving gold-standard play provision, with enhancements designed to offer high-quality, inclusive play experiences for children of all ages and abilities.

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While each park features a different combination of play items tailored to its space, all now include some form of inclusive and sensory equipment. Examples found across the parks include adventure trails, double bay swings with varied seating, suspended log bridges, pendulum swings, climbing frames, multi-play units and themed play structures.

Also featured are level access roundabouts, wheelchair-accessible trampolines, inclusive seesaws, rockers, and sensory play panels to support children with additional needs. Safety and accessibility have been further improved with the installation of impact-absorbing surfacing. All the parks also benefit from upgraded seating, with several featuring inclusive picnic benches to create welcoming social spaces for all.

In addition to play park upgrades, the funding also supported road access improvements at Tully Castle—a site of historical and environmental significance within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark and a cross-border initiative delivered in partnership with Cavan County Council and Historic Environment Division.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said: "These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in our communities and enhancing the quality of life for residents. This particular fund has enabled us to deliver meaningful improvements that will benefit people of all ages for years to come.

"Importantly, this funding has supported a wide range of initiatives—not only the transformational upgrade of play parks, but also enhancements to heritage and tourism assets such as Tully Castle near Derrygonnelly."