Misuse of equipment in Grange Play Park leads to temporary partial closure

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has regrettably recently received reports of children and young people misusing the two feature tower structures in the Grange Play Park, Omagh. The Council has engaged with the equipment supplier and sought additional health and safety advice and has regrettably taken the decision to temporarily close these items of equipment until appropriate and proportionate mitigations can be put in place to ensure the continued safety of all park users.

The Grange Park Destination Play Park was constructed to industry standards (BS EN 1176) and commissioning health and safety assessments confirmed that the park and play equipment was safe to use in the correct and intended manner.  Unfortunately, in recent weeks it appears that a number of children/young people have decided to use the equipment in a way that was not intended, potentially placing themselves and other play park users at risk of injury.

The Council is working closely with the Contractor to implement effective and timely measures to ensure an exciting, fun and safe play experience for the many children and young people who have visited the play park since it re-opened last October.

Council staff have installed a secure safety perimeter around the signature towers and appreciates the cooperation of parents and families during the period of additional works. Many of the other play pieces, such as the inclusive play equipment and sensory garden remain open and accessible.

Council hopes to have further information on an expected re-opening date in the near future.