Ohio Street Playpark Reopens Following Major Inclusive Upgrade

Great news for families in North Belfast! The Ohio Street playpark has officially reopened its gates just in time for the Easter holidays, following an extensive refurbishment. The project is part of a £580,000 Playground Improvement Programme that also saw the completion of the White Rise playpark in West Belfast. Both spaces are now fully open and ready for local children to enjoy.

The revamped sites have been designed with inclusivity at their heart. In addition to traditional play equipment, the parks now feature sensory-friendly acoustic equipment, communication panels, and wheelchair-accessible features. These additions ensure that children of all abilities and neurotypes have a safe and fun environment to play, a particularly fitting update as we mark World Autism Awareness Day. The upgrades also include new safety surfacing, fencing, and improved landscaping to make the area more welcoming for everyone.

The improvements to our local amenities are set to continue. Work is currently moving ahead at Finvoy Street, with upgrades at Roddens Crescent scheduled to begin shortly. These efforts are part of a long-term commitment to improving the safety and quality of outdoor spaces across the city, a mission that has seen dozens of parks upgraded since 2012.

Looking ahead, a further £1.5 million has been allocated for a wider Parks Improvement Programme over the next two years. Residents can look forward to new water refill points at ten different sites, three new dedicated dog-run areas, and new benches. General maintenance, including new handrails and fencing, is also planned to keep our green spaces in top condition. Additionally, a £240,000 annual fund has been established to repair and maintain over 50 bridges across the city's parklands, ensuring our walking routes remain safe and accessible for all neighbors.