Recently, a number of play parks throughout Northern Ireland have undergone some serious renovations. These play parks are a great option for a fun day out with the kids that won’t break the bank. There are plenty of fantastic spots across the region to explore if you’re looking for something different than your usual neighborhood park. Many of these newly refurbished council parks have been updated with inclusive play equipment, ensuring that everyone can join in on the fun. Let’s take a look at some of the revamped play parks across Northern Ireland for you to check out.
Grampian Avenue Play Park in Belfast was refurbished as part of the 2024-25 programme. This newly upgraded playground offers a wide range of play equipment, including acoustic features for sensory play, an accessible springer with side and back support, a wheelchair-accessible roundabout, and a play tower with a slide featuring transfer decks, a drag ramp, and an inclusive net. The park also retained and repaired the popular tyre swing while adding a new toddler swing and a special needs swing seat. A wheelchair-accessible picnic table ensures that families and carers can enjoy the space too. Additionally, a communication board has been installed to support non-verbal children in expressing their feelings, making choices, and interacting with others.
Pitt Park in Belfast also received a makeover, with a new play park opening last summer. This park features a nautical theme, paying homage to the area’s nautical heritage, and includes new inclusive play equipment for all to enjoy. Another new play park opened at City of Belfast Playing Fields in Mallusk, offering local families a modern, accessible play area. Thanks to funding from the UK Government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the park now boasts new equipment, surfacing, and seating for families and friends.
In Loughguile, Co Antrim, Scally Park reopened in April 2025 after being renovated by the Mayor. The park now features new equipment and surfacing, as well as seating for accompanying family and friends. Steeple Play Park in Antrim underwent a £100,000 refurbishment in December 2024, which included new play equipment, a wetpour surface, and respraying of the Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA) pitches.
Moving on to Co Down, Londonderry Park in Newtownards recently received a £220,000 refurbishment, enhancing the park with modern, inclusive equipment. The Mayor even joined students from Victoria Primary School to test out the new equipment. Ward Park in Bangor also got a facelift with a £250,000 investment, and pupils from Bangor Central Integrated Primary School were among the first to check out the new play park. Helen’s Bay Play Park on Fort Road was refurbished in August 2024, with brand new equipment that is more accessible for children of all abilities. Kircubbin also saw a new play park open at The Green last August, featuring accessible equipment for children of all abilities.
If you know of any newly refurbished play parks in your area that we missed, feel free to reach out to us at news@belfastlive.co.uk. Remember, Be is your go-to for all things lifestyle, so don’t miss out on our new newsletter that compiles the best of Be’s content twice a week. Just enter your email address to sign up and stay in the loop with the latest news on health, beauty, work life, parenting, and more. And for all the freshest updates, visit the Belfast Live homepage and subscribe to our Be lifestyle newsletter today.
