Young people from Lisanally and Alexander swung into action yesterday to help launch the redevelopment of Alexander Park play area.

Armagh City and District Council has appointed Allplay as the contractor for the development of the new play facility and it is hoped that the work on the £60,000 contract will be completed in time for the children finishing school in the summer holidays.

The Department for Social Development provided over £30,000 towards the scheme under the Areas at Risk Pilot Programme. The project has been driven forward by the Council and the Lisanally and Alexander Project (The L.A. Project).

Councillors for the City Ward said: “we are very excited and happy to see this project get off the ground and hope it will be a great source of fun and enjoyment for young people in the area.  There has been a massive amount of work devoted to this project and it is a great example of what can be achieved through working hand-in-hand with each other, as the Council, and activists from the L.A. Project have all made this initiative possible.”

Donna Marie Hancock from the Department for Social Development said: “This modern play park will provide real and significant benefits to children in the local area. It will enable them to play in a safe environment and increase their participation and development of physical and social activities.  This scheme will form part of a wider community development project to provide support and improve community capacity, cohesion and infrastructure within the Lisanally and Alexander estates”.

The main focus of the scheme is a children’s play area which will cater for two main groups, toddlers 0-5 and juniors 6-12 years.  Valerie Fletcher Chairperson of the L.A. Project said: “The development of the play area is a tremendous achievement for our group as we have only been operating for approximately 18 months. We are also currently looking at Phase 2 which is the development of the MUGA Sports Area for teens and environmental enhancements, however it must be noted that this particular element of work is also subject to the necessary funding being secured”.

Volunteers from the L.A. Project joined with representatives from the Department for Social Development, Armagh City and District Council, children and leaders from Firs Playgroup and local children from the area to celebrate the start of the project.

Charmain Jones, L.A. Project co-ordinator said: “What is most encouraging about this project is the enthusiastic involvement of the local young people in the physical and environmental rejuvenation of their estate.  All those involved in the delivery of the project hope this major investment will reward the efforts of local young people and the hard work of the L.A. Project.”