Launch of the Slieve Gullion Forest Adventure Park
New Lord Mayor for Newry, John McArdle officially opened the new Slieve Gullion Forest Adventure Park on Monday 18th June 2012.
This EU funded development scheme was led by Newry and Mourne District Council after the Forestry Service agreed to lease a portion of their land at the Slieve Gullion Forest Park to the Council for the creation of this facility.
Speaking to Newry Times, McArdle said that “Special acknowledgement must also be given to council officials and local councillors of the South Armagh area who have lobbied continuously over the last seven years to have a facility developed within the Slieve Gullion Forest Park. Special thanks must also be given to R Robinson & Sons architects and MP Coleman who were the architects and contractors on the project.”
“Throughout this process Newry & Mourne District Council has worked in partnership with a number of Community and Voluntary Organisations, including Newry and Mourne Senior Citizens Consortium, the Clanyre group and Sticky Fingers. The artwork throughout the park has tried to reflect the myths and legends associated with the Slieve Gullion Area.”
The Park was developed in two sections. The first was being funded 100% by CASA. This area includes a multi purpose area, an adult fitness trail and an amphitheatre. The second section was funded 75% by SOAR under the Rural Development Programme and 25% by Newry &Mourne District Council. This area includes an adventure play park for children and teenagers. The CASA representative, Cllr Terry Hearty emphasized that this type of work will make a big difference to the local community and to making the Slieve Gullion area more attractive to visitors.
Once open, it is envisaged that the new play park will attract visitors from all over Ireland to the South Armagh area. For further information on this development you can contact the project officer for the scheme Julie McCann on 02830861949.
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