'Our children are our future': Co Down outdoor play specialist lands £2.3million upgrade contract for 17 Northern Ireland playparks
Garden Escapes will refurbish 12 existing playparks and develop five new facilities across Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough over the next two years
A County Down specialist in playground equipment and outdoor gyms has been appointed as the main contractor for a £2.3 million programme to upgrade playparks across the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough.
Garden Escapes Ltd in Ballynahinch will deliver the two-year Capital Play Development Programme for ABC Council, which will see 12 existing playparks refurbished and five new playparks developed between 2026 and 2028.
Lord Mayor Cllr Mary O’Dowd joined Council officers and Richard Stuart from Garden Escapes Ltd to mark the appointment and the next stage of the investment programme.
The first phase of work is expected to begin later this year at three playparks – Abercorn Park and Pinebank in Craigavon, and Huntly in Banbridge.
Over the coming weeks, the Council will engage with local communities and stakeholders on plans for the individual playparks.
The Lord Mayor said the investment would deliver benefits for children and families across the borough.
“This is a very important investment by the Council, which will deliver real and tangible benefits to children and young families right across this borough,” she said.
“Play is essential to children’s development and I am delighted that the Council is making this major commitment to the next generation. Our children are our future and our playparks are vital community spaces that must be cherished.”
Over the coming weeks, Council will engage directly with local communities and stakeholders on the upgrade plans for each of the playparks.
The Capital Play Development Programme is expected to be completed over a two-year period from 2026-2028.
Further details on the upgrade of the playparks will be released as the programme of works progresses.