Fisherwick Play Park opens after 50-year wait!

Councillor Bréanainn Lyness, Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, pictured with Cillian, a young local resident who is very happy to see the Fisherwick Play Park opened!

A brand-new community play park has opened in the Fisherwick area of Ballymena, marking the end of more than five decades of campaigning by local residents.

The long-awaited facility was welcomed by Sinn Féin Ballymena Councillor Bréanainn Lyness, who also serves as Deputy Mayor of Mid and East Antrim Borough Council.

The play park, which opened on Thursday 8 May, has been described as a major victory for the community, offering a modern, accessible and inclusive space for children of all abilities to enjoy.

Councillor Lyness, who strongly advocated to see the project to fruition, hailed the development as a testament to local collaboration and determination.

Speaking after the park opened to the public, he said:

“I am delighted to announce that Fisherwick Play Park is now officially open to the public! This has been a long time coming! Local kids now have a safe place to play in the area.

“Thank you to all the local councillors who supported this development, it just shows you what can happen when we all work together!”

A Journey Decades in the Making

Local residents have been campaigning for a dedicated children’s play facility in Fisherwick for over 50 years. Despite previous setbacks and site complications, renewed cross-party efforts helped identify a suitable location that met the community’s needs.

Initial proposals for a park site located behind a series of bungalows within the estate were not viable, as the land — owned by the Housing Executive — has reportedly been earmarked for potential future development.

A second proposed location also posed significant challenges. The uneven topography of the land would have required costly remediation, while concerns were raised about the proximity to a nearby road and the presence of utility cabling on the site.

After further assessment and cooperation between relevant stakeholders, a third site was agreed upon. This area offered an ideal layout for a well-equipped, accessible play space designed to serve children across the community.

A Modern, Inclusive Facility for All

The new park has been specifically designed to provide play opportunities for children of all ages and abilities. The accessible design includes inclusive play equipment and safety features to ensure all children can participate in safe, engaging recreation.

The project’s completion has been warmly received by families in the Fisherwick estate, with the park already proving popular among local children.

Community Collaboration at the Forefront

The opening of the park underscores the value of persistent community engagement and cross-party collaboration in addressing long-standing local needs.

Councillor Lyness praised the unity among councillors and stakeholders, noting the success as a reflection of what can be achieved when political and community interests align.

The development also contributes positively to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s wider goals of enhancing community infrastructure and promoting inclusive play opportunities across the region.

As children enjoy their new play space and families gather in the heart of Fisherwick, the opening marks not just the unveiling of new equipment, but the culmination of over 50 years of perseverance, advocacy and community spirit.