Derry council urged to speed up delivery of new Lincoln Courts play park

Derry and Strabane District Council has been urged to speed up progress on the delivery of a new Waterside play park.
Don McClay, manager of the Lincoln Court Community Centre, has called for a new and improved play park for local children to be expedited following the removal of facilities almost four years ago.
Mr McClay said despite agreeing with the removal of the play park in 2021 due to safety concerns, the 'onus' is on the council to replace the play park for the local community.
“The playpark equipment was removed, by council, around April 2021 and hasn't been replaced,” Mr McClay explained. “There wasn’t any community consultation regarding the removal of the equipment.
“While Lincoln Courts Youth & Community Association (LCYCA) acknowledge and accept that this decision was due to health and safety concerns, however we also feel the onus was on council to replace this equipment and have abrogated their commitment and responsibilities to the Rossdowney playpark and its service users.”
The Waterside community worker said the playpark had been the 'vocal point' of the community for over 55 years.
“The playpark at Lincoln Courts/Rossdowney has, for over 55 years, been a focal point, not only for those residents in the nearby areas, but also residents within the Greater Waterside area(s) of Derry/Londonderry.
“The playpark has been integral to the development and capacity building in both the Lincoln Courts and Rossdowney areas throughout the lifetime of the playpark.”
Mr McClay hit out at the lack of funding for the Lincoln Courts area from government departments.
“The Lincoln Courts and Rossdowney areas do not receive any financial input or commitment from government sources (DFC) as it falls outside what is deemed Neighbourhood Renewal areas.
“Neighbourhood Renewal' is based on electoral wards and not pockets of deprivation. Therefore, the potential for capital investment is stymied due to this electoral gerrymandering.”
He added that the land on which the play park stands could become an area for anti-social behaviour.
“The immediate concern(s) of residents, and LCYCA, is that the land which was the park (see the attached pictures) will now potentially result in an increase in anti-social or risk taking behaviour in the “Waterside.”
In February last year, Derry and Strabane District Council held a public information session on the proposed designs for Rossdowney play park.
A spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane District Council said officers are aware of the lack of adequate facilities at the play park at Rossdowney Road/Lincoln Courts and the key role the facility has in community life.
“Plans have been progressed for a new Rossdowney Play Park development at the site and there has been engagement with the public to gauge views on the concept designs for the project, which were widely welcomed. Council is currently working to identify funding opportunities to support the delivery of the project.
“Council recognises that play is essential to the lives of children and young people and is committed to fulfilling the children's right to play by providing suitable and accessible facilities across Derry and Strabane through its Play Plan.​”
Full details of Council’s Play Park provision and its Play Plan can be found on the council's website.