Sensory experience opens at People’s Park, Ballymena
Tuesday 27 June 2023
Mid and East Antrim Borough Council recently celebrated the official opening of the new sensory experience in People’s Park, Ballymena.
The design of the new sensory area was developed in consultation with local user groups to create an area within the park to stimulate the senses while also providing a calm haven for all to enjoy.
A wide range of equipment has been installed suitable for children of all ages and abilities, as well as new accessible pathways and picnic benches. Bringing together selected trees, musical instruments, landscape features and a flowing walkway - Council has created an area in which visitors are encouraged to use all their senses through sound, water, air, wildlife and the texture of the trees.
The sensory area is just one part of a bigger initiative, working towards creating an Autism Friendly Borough, with another sensory experience opening at Carnfunnock Country Park this summer.
Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Alderman Gerardine Mulvenna, said: “I am thrilled to see the new sensory area opening in People’s Park - this has been a much sought after area for many families and is a fantastic addition to the park. I hope the new sensory area will encourage, families, schools and community groups with sensory needs to visit and enjoy this wonderful venue.
“We want our open spaces to be enjoyed by everyone and developments like this play an important part in doing that.”
This new sensory area was funded by the Department for Communities. £30,000 was awarded through their Access and Inclusion Fund which supported the project through the purchase of accessible and inclusive equipment, with Mid and East Antrim Borough Council contributing an additional £3,000.