Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has confirmed it will advance another phase of upgrades at the popular wheeled sports facility.

Originally delivered at a cost of £439,000 by DfC with additional support from the Council, the park has proved highly successful, offering space for cycling, skateboarding and other wheeled sports for young people and families.

Current amenities include an 80-metre pump track with banked turns and undulations, alongside a skate park featuring ramps, grind rails and other trick elements.

The initial scheme formed part of a wider drive to regenerate Downpatrick, encouraging healthier, more active lifestyles while strengthening links to the town centre and the nearby Down Leisure Centre.

A recommendation from the Council's Strategy, Policy and Resources Committee on 22 January 2026 to undertake new works was ratified by full Council on 2 February.

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The upgrade package will be financed by DfC with Council match funding, and remains contingent on planning consent.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said: "The urban sports park has been an outstanding success since it opened and is attracting more young people to the town.

"The park is helping deliver many benefits for Downpatrick and the wider district, providing not only an extremely popular facility, but encouraging active and healthy lifestyles."

Cllr Campbell noted the sports park is a priority within the Downpatrick Living High Streets initiative, supported by the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group in partnership with DfC, the Council and other stakeholders.

He said this collaboration has helped secure investment for a range of local projects, including the urban sports park at Dunleath.

"The new park is a key element of the ongoing regeneration of Downpatrick and further investment in a new access and seating will widen its appeal, making one of the best facilities of its kind even better," Cllr Campbell added.

The Department for Communities said it is pleased to provide additional funding for the Downpatrick sports park.

"The park has been a huge success since it opened, and the additional investment will widen its appeal. The park is a key element of plans to regenerate Downpatrick town centre, with the facility supporting health, community, and economic growth in the area," a spokesperson added.