New Accessible Entrance Approved for Dunleath Park in Downpatrick

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has secured planning approval for a new accessible entrance at Dunleath Park in Downpatrick.

A concrete ramp will allow people to enter the area, which is home to a popular walking trail and Urban Sports Park, from St Patrick’s Avenue.

Formal planning approval for the new entrance was rubber-stamped by the Council’s Planning Committee on 25 February.

The ramp, which features a set of steps and pedestrian guardrail at the side, is 1.2 metres high and fully conforms with Disability Discrimination Act legislation.

Plans were recently unveiled for a series of upgrades at the sports park which include the provision of park benches, fencing along Russell Park and drainage work, with the project subject to planning approval.

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Philip Campbell said, “The provision of a new accessible entrance will further open Dunleath Park to people of all abilities.

“The walking trail has been a great success since it opened and hosts a very popular Parkrun every Saturday morning. The Council is investing in inclusive facilities with the new ramp linking St Patrick’s Avenue and Dunleath another positive step.”

The Council Chairperson said he is delighted the Council is committed to inclusion and opening up the park.

“The new ramp is compliant with accessibility legislation and opens the door to more people accessing Dunleath which is good news,” Cllr Campbell added.

The Urban Sports Park was one of the priorities in the Downpatrick Living High Streets initiative and championed by the Downpatrick Regeneration Working Group, which is working alongside the Department for Communities. The facility features an 80-metre pump track with banked turns and undulations, and a skate park with ramps, grind rails and trick features.