Frew questions delay in reopening Broughshane Play Park

Knockan Road Play Park in Broughshane on Tuesday, January 27, when Storm Chandra brought heavy rainfall leading to the River Braid bursting its banks.

Four weeks after floodwater tore through Broughshane, families are still waiting for their local play park to reopen — and questions are now being asked at Stormont level.

North Antrim DUP MLA Paul Frew has raised concerns over the continued closure of Broughshane Play Park on Knockan Road following severe storm damage last month.

The park was impacted when Storm Chandra passed over Northern Ireland on Tuesday 27 February. As the storm intensified, the swollen River Braid burst its banks, causing significant flooding in the area and damaging the nearby community facility.

In the immediate aftermath, Mid and East Antrim Borough Council confirmed the park would close temporarily to allow repairs to be carried out. However, nearly a month on, the gates remain shut — leaving many local families without a well-used outdoor space for young children.

Mr Frew said he has been contacted by concerned constituents about the ongoing closure.

“I have been contacted by several constituents regarding the closure of the play park in Broughshane due to storm damage. This is a very busy play park and one that is important to many children and families within the local area.

“After suffering significant damage during Storm Chandra, the play park has been closed for nearly 4 weeks with no confirmed reopening date.

“I have written to the Council regarding this issue, they have advised that new layers of safety bark are required before the park can reopen, and that an order has been placed for replacement materials which is expected to arrive within the next week.

“Whilst I am grateful that efforts are being made to reopen the play park, I would question the repeated usage of bark as a safety mechanism in the play park due to its vulnerability to damage, as exemplified in the recent storm.

“A more durable material like rubbering padding and tiling would be a better option to ensure the play park can remain open all year round, regardless of the weather.”

According to the Council’s response to the MLA, replacement safety bark has been ordered and is expected within the next week — a step required before the facility can safely reopen.

The situation has also reignited debate about long-term resilience in public infrastructure. While bark surfacing is commonly used in playgrounds, the recent flooding has prompted calls for more durable alternatives capable of withstanding extreme weather.

For families in Broughshane, the issue is less about materials and more about access. The park is described as a busy and valued space within the village — particularly as brighter spring days approach.

With replacement materials expected shortly, attention now turns to when children will once again be able to return to the swings and slides on Knockan Road — and whether future upgrades could prevent similar closures.