Ahoghill residents' community park proposals

by Roger Donnelly

The latest plans for a new community park in Ahoghill have been revealed.

Proposals put forward by residents for redeveloping land in the village include a sprawling woodland attraction brimming  with wildlife, meadows and wetlands.

A masterplan for Ahoghill's park was brought before Mid and East Antrim Council’s Operational Committee last Monday.

It includes plans for a park plaza, café, boardwalk, natural play area, sensory and contemplative zones, a learning zone, and a community art theme celebrating the region's agricultural heritage.

Chairman of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s Operational Committee, Ald John Carson, said: 

“We're delighted with the community’s response to the consultation. Green areas such as that proposed in Ahoghill provide a huge range of benefits for local people. These include improved mental health and wellbeing, increased physical activity, a reduction in anti-social behaviour and improvements in air quality.The latest proposals would transform the site into an oasis of wildlife, woodland, walkways and wetlands. Its creation would enhance the quality of life of residents in the area.”

An extensive consultation process drew feedback from a wide range of groups and provided an exciting vision for a secure and safe park to be enjoyed by the entire community. Members of the community also suggested a range of activities they would like to see take place in the proposed park.

They included regular events and learning opportunities, biodiversity studies, gardening and/or allotment programmes, a place to relax for tea or coffee, and a men’s shed.

The ideas put forward through the consultation were considered by an external consultant who completed an outline design for the site.

Members of the Operational Committee agreed to proceed with further discussions around the current proposals.

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has agreed to part-fund the project. External funding is being sourced to help make the vision for the area a reality.