Glass strewn across Ballymena play park sparks safety concerns after recent upgrade

Glass strewn over the local play park

Fresh safety concerns have been raised at Fisherwick Play Park in Ballymena after glass was deliberately broken and scattered across the site over the weekend, prompting a strong response from a local councillor.

The incident comes after the park underwent a significant upgrade recently, funded by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council, and has left residents worried about the safety of children using the popular community facility.

Damage at newly upgraded community space

Fisherwick Play Park has recently benefited from a substantial investment, transforming it into a modern, well-used amenity for families in the area. The facility has quickly become a focal point for local residents, particularly parents and young children.

However, the discovery of broken glass strewn across parts of the park has raised immediate concerns about the risk of injury, especially given the high level of daily footfall.

Councillor condemns ‘unacceptable’ behaviour

Sinn Féin councillor Bréanainn Lyness spoke out on Sunday, April 19, describing the incident as deeply concerning and calling for greater respect for shared public spaces.

He said:

“Anti-social behaviour and broken glass at Fisherwick Play Park is unacceptable. This play park is well used by the local community, but on occasion residents have raised concerns about behaviour around the path and play park, which I have mentioned to the council, insisting on increased surveillance regarding this issue.

“The people of the area have waited for a play park in the area for years, and now that they have a safe place to take their children, it must be kept clean and without danger for kids playing.

“To whoever is behind the broken glass, imagine it was your sibling or relative playing and they fell and cut themselves as a result of your actions.

“This is a community space; respect it.”

Ongoing concerns around anti-social behaviour

Councillor Lyness indicated that this is not an isolated issue, noting that residents have previously raised concerns about behaviour in and around the park and adjacent pathways.

He confirmed that these concerns have already been brought to the attention of the council, alongside calls for increased surveillance measures to help deter further incidents.

The latest damage has intensified those concerns, particularly given the potential for serious injury to children using the facility.

Community investment at risk

The park’s recent upgrade marked a long-awaited development for the Fisherwick area, where residents had campaigned for improved play facilities over a number of years.

The investment by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council was intended to provide a safe, clean, and welcoming environment for families. Incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour now risk undermining that progress.

Safety fears for children using the park

The presence of broken glass in a children’s play area presents a clear and immediate hazard, with concerns focused on the possibility of cuts or more serious injuries.

Councillor Lyness’s remarks highlight the potential consequences, urging those responsible to consider the impact of their actions on local families.

Calls for action and respect for shared spaces

The incident has renewed calls for stronger measures to protect community facilities, including enhanced monitoring and enforcement where necessary.

With the park playing a central role in the daily lives of many local families, there is growing pressure to ensure it remains a safe and welcoming space for all users.

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At a glance

• Broken glass was scattered across Fisherwick Play Park in Ballymena over the weekend

• The park was recently upgraded following significant council investment

• The facility is widely used by local families and children

• Sinn Féin councillor Bréanainn Lyness condemned the behaviour as “unacceptable”

• Residents had previously raised concerns about anti-social behaviour in the area

• Calls have been made for increased surveillance around the park

• Concerns focus on the risk of injury to children

• The park had been a long-awaited development for the local community

• The incident has sparked renewed focus on protecting public amenities