Play parks investment of over £850,000 for Lilian Bland and Rathcoole

by Gráinne Connolly

Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council has granted approval for an investment of over £850,000 to upgrade two play areas in the Borough.

£445,000 will go towards Lilian Bland Community park in the centre of Glengormley, next to the recently refurbished Lilian Bland Pavilion.

Plans include a major reconfiguration of the play area, including extending the park, moving some of the play equipment and the addition of new features including a new airplane themed attraction, wheelchair swing and accessible play equipment.

The project also features a new basketball area and the relocation of the existing MUGA to the current tennis courts. 

The park is named after Lilian Bland who was the first woman to build and fly a plane in the UK and Ireland in 1910.

Lilian lived nearby and tested her plane on the Carnmoney Hill. The park, aptly named after this pioneering woman, features an airplane sculpture.

As part of the refurbishment, the plane will be relocated and new airport runway landscaping will be created to highlight the sculpture. 

(Airplane sculpture at Lilian Bland park)

The Play Park in Rathcoole will be extended and new play equipment will be installed including wheelchair swing and accessible play equipment.

This is a £400,000 project, which will see the extension of the park itself, including new safety surfacing, fencing and street furniture. 

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Councillor Paul Michael was encouraged by the new investments; “I am proud to support these two new projects.

"These parks are at the heart of our communities and provide a valuable resource for everyone, especially our young people.

"The upgrades and refurbishments will encourage our children to be active outdoors, play together and most importantly, the changes will ensure access for all.”

Both projects will begin in March 2019 and be completed (weather permitting) by the summer.