Developing Project
"Plantin Park"
Latest News!!
Boyne Row
the plantin
community footbridge
old playwark
Linen Monument
New all ability
entrance
XXX
CLOSED
The map shows the position and size of the old play park area and the photos are a record of its present condition.
POSITIVES
+ Its place at the centre of the village. + Existing fencing 75% in place.
+ Perfect entry / exit point for 'the planting". + South facing aspect perfect for recreation
+ Some essentials already in place: bins, benches, flower beds, hard footing
+ Volunteer work groups will see quick results from their efforts
+ Community electricity already on site
+ a simple step by step development plan will mean that it can be brought into community use quickly
+ Perfect location / access for Forest School hub "container / mobile etc"
CHALLENGES
- Large area if materials are to be needed. - Child friendly gate/access at Kilrea Road
- Child friendly gate / access at Community Footbridge
- Child friendly fence to Kilrea Road
OPPORTUNITIES
**A blank canvas: can be planned to meet needs of every community member
** Should be a very attractive facility for grant funding
** Ties in perfectly with the planting and future Mill Site / Dams pathways
12th December 2025
Planting Park becomes a fabulously lit winter wonderland
for
our Christmas Lights Switch-on and a visit from Santa!
12th August 2025
More hard work from the community has resulted in the following progress:
**Further applications for support, grant aid etc.
**Further consultations with various MUDC officers
** Mapping of the three paths in The Plantin: particular attention to gradients
**Quantity Estimations made (!!)
**Kind and generous input from our own "Glenn" who played a part in the Drumlamph Wood Scheme
**Progress on Insurances etc.
** Mitigating work on 'River Path' tripping / bank erosion hazards is taking place
AGAIN!...This looks as if it WILL happen so long as there is a suitable level of community support and actual involvement.
9th August 2025
New Village Signs are up!!
This looks as if it WILL happen so long as there is a suitable level of community support and actual involvement.
 Screenshot 2025-08-13 at 15.00.18 |  Screenshot 2025-08-13 at 15.00.34 |
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 Screenshot 2025-08-13 at 14.59.45 |  Screenshot 2025-08-13 at 15.00.03 |
 Screenshot 2025-08-13 at 15.00.47 |
12th July 2025
Much hard work from the community has resulted in the following progress:
**CLOSURE of the playpark entrance directly on to the Kilrea Road (PERMANENT)
This complements our discussions with local councillor / MLA towards the goal of improved road safety generally for everyone crossing the busy Kilrea Road.
** Opening of a safer, wider entrance from the Linen Memorial
**First foundations of an 'all abilities' entrance ramp in place
** Removal of broken, dead/dying overhanging trees branches
** Scraping off the surface to establish condition etc.
** Retention of old entrance railings for use in a later 'build'
** Start of removing scrub and overgrown hedges
** Removal of fly-tipping refuse etc.
This looks as if it WILL happen so long as there is a suitable level of community support and actual involvement.
20th June 2025
The JHT (Turkington's, Portadown) (draft) offer of a community lease relating to the ground known locally as 'The Old Playpark" and 'the plantin" is with both sets of lawyers.
A substantial phase 1 grant application has been formulated.
This looks as if it WILL happen so long as there is a suitable level of community support and actual involvement.
8th February 2025
In the most amazing bonus to our community's efforts to further develop community facilities,
we were approached by JHT (Turkington's, Portadown) who have made an offer of a community lease relating to the ground known as 'The Old Playpark" which is joined to 'the planting' by the community development group bridge.
This is beyond our wildest dreams and is an offer we're definitely exploring so long as there is a suitable level of community support.
Coming Soon: About to Happen
As soon as possible we are hoping to be able to bring a focus group together on site
to gather opinions on accessibility.
The first meeting will be about suitability, changes needing to be made etc. at:
1. The new entrance: getting to it (existing pavements etc.)
2. the new entrance: getting down the slope and into the park.
3. Access ONTO and OFF the community bridge between the park / plantin.
(Other access matters will be addressed as the park develops)
.
The Road Engines Mill Race
Some very basic introductory clearing will begin to help us with measurements, material needs etc.
These activities WILL happen so long as there is a suitable level of community support and actual involvement.