News

Young people in the Dungannon are calling for better play facilities in the borough and have expressed shock at the damage which is being caused to play parks locally.
Over 300 Dungannon families enjoyed a brilliant day out at the Dungannon Youth Resource Centre where local young people organised a Family Fun Day (free for kids) to highlight every child's right to play recently. The highly successful afternoon was arranged by young people for young people.

The young organisers want to see safer, better facilities for children in Dungannon. The Resources Centre believes there are not enough parks and play areas locally and it feels more colourful, age appropriate equipment in good condition is needed.

Explaining the reasons behind the Family Fun Day, Andre Neves, aged 18, told the Courier: "We were shocked that so many play parks in our area have been damaged while others have poor disability access."
Jamie McParland 17, added: "We have been working on a save the Children project, 'Speaking Out Against Poverty' and looking at children's rights. We need more things for young people to do, such as activities, snooker tables and also parks for kids. It was terrific to see so many people coming and everyone enjoying themselves. It just goes to show that children need to play."

Attendance exceeded all expectations with 800 people in attendance. Danielle Nevin (18) said: "I was shocked and surprised to see the large number of families attending and having fun and so many from different ethnic backgrounds. It's good to see them all using our club."
Dungannon Mayor Kenneth Reid and Sinn Fein Councillor Bronwyn McGahan came along for the fun, which included bouncy castles, face painting, arts and crafts activities, ball games, pool and table tennis competitions, raffles and refreshments.

The young organisers took the opportunity to make a presentation, hoping to influence Dungannon Council to consult more with young people on the design of parks so that play equipment is good and suits a range of ages.

Jim McQuaid, a member of the Youth Resource Centre management committee commented: "I was very impressed by the Save the Children project and the work this group carried out.

They bounded very well and made a very mature and thoughtful presentation to the Mayor and the Councillor. It's great to see young people leading, planning and organising this event on behalf of families in their area."

Impressed, the Mayor and Councillor McGahan invited the young people to make a presentation to the full Council about additional provision for Dungannon's children and the benefits helping physical, social and emotional development and countering anti-social behaviour by providing positive alternative activities.

Source: Tyrone Courier
Date: Wednesday 24th April 2012