Major £800,000 redevelopment of Omagh park moves closer

Proposed works being put forward by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council (FODC) include transforming the existing play park into a ‘destination’ play facility, with a theme of bridges and spires to reflect the landscape and heritage of the town.

Other proposed improvements include an upgrade to the public toilets to include changing places facilities.

A sensory garden will also be created as an additional feature to the popular park.

Meanwhile, the local council is further exploring the possibility of a direct link to the town’s riverside walk.

The redevelopment, part of the council’s new £5m Play Park Strategy, is expected to start early next year, subject to securing the necessary statutory approvals, planning permission and funding.

New FODC chair, Errol Thompson, said, the planned transformation at the Grange was one of the first major projects to be proposed under the new strategy.

He said, “The mature trees, wild meadow and tree trail at Grange Park already offer wonderful play value and the development of an accessible destination play park will greatly complement this, providing plenty of opportunities for children and young people to get outdoors and get active while having fun.”

The proposals were recently presented to Omagh town councillors who had an opportunity to provide feedback on the draft plans. This feedback will be taken into consideration to help finalise plans.

A planning application for the improvement works is anticipated to be submitted this summer, where members of the public and other interested parties will have the opportunity to have their say on the proposed development.

Council will also engage with residents in the local area regarding the development proposals.

Omagh town councillors, Anne Marie Fitzgerald, Barry McElduff, current Fermanagh and Omagh District Council chair Errol Thompson and Stephen Donnelly, reviewing redevelopment proposals for Grange Park.