Community enhancement projects delivered across Fermanagh and Omagh thanks to UK Shared Prosperity Fund

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has delivered a series of community enhancement projects funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) under the Communities and Place programme, delivering upgraded recreational and public spaces across the District.

The first of these projects—the upgrades of play parks at Brooke Crescent, Brookeborough and Tempo—were completed in July 2024, with the remaining four delivered over the course of the UKSPF funding period (1 April 2024 to 31 March 2025). Children and families across Fermanagh and Omagh can now enjoy modern, inclusive, and revitalised play facilities in their local communities.

The completed playparks include:

Brooke Crescent Play Park, Brookeborough

Tempo Play Park

Sally’s Wood Play Park, Irvinestown

Old Rossory Play Park, Enniskillen

Gortview/Lisanelly Play Park, Omagh

Cappagh Villas Play Park, Omagh

These six playparks have been upgraded achieving gold-standard play provision, with enhancements designed to offer high-quality, inclusive play experiences for children of all ages and abilities. While each park features a different combination of play items tailored to its space, all now include some form of inclusive and sensory equipment. Examples found across the parks include adventure trails, double bay swings with varied seating, suspended log bridges, pendulum swings, climbing frames, multi-play units, and themed play structures. Also featured are level access roundabouts, wheelchair-accessible trampolines, inclusive seesaws, rockers, and sensory play panels to support children with additional needs. Safety and accessibility have been further improved with the installation of impact-absorbing surfacing. All the parks also benefit from upgraded seating, with several featuring inclusive picnic benches to create welcoming social spaces for all.

These projects form part of a wider programme of investment supported by the UKSPF, which aimed to enhance community infrastructure and public spaces across the district. In addition to play park upgrades, the funding also supported road access improvements at Tully Castle—a site of historical and environmental significance within the Cuilcagh Lakelands Geopark and a cross-border initiative delivered in partnership with Cavan County Council and Historic Environment Division.

All sites are now fully open to the public, offering safe and engaging environments that support active lifestyles and community connection.

Chair of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, Councillor Barry McElduff, said:

“These projects reflect our ongoing commitment to investing in our communities and enhancing the quality of life for residents. This particular fund has enabled us to deliver meaningful improvements that will benefit people of all ages for years to come.

Importantly, this funding has supported a wide range of initiatives—not only the transformational upgrade of play parks, but also enhancements to heritage and tourism assets such as Tully Castle near Derrygonnelly.

On behalf of the Council, I extend thanks to all partners, contractors, and community members who contributed to the successful delivery of these projects. I encourage everyone to avail of these upgraded play parks and enjoy these shared spaces throughout the District.”

These recent upgrades form part of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council’s ambitious Play Park Strategy, which between 2021 and 2025 has delivered 32 upgraded play parks with a £2.6 million investment. All upgraded sites now meet Silver or Gold standards under Fields in Trust guidance, reflecting a strong commitment to quality and inclusivity. The strategy is also evolving to embrace nature-focused design, with seven play parks transformed into Community Green Spaces and more planned in the years ahead.

As part of the delivery of the Play Park Strategy, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council is continually exploring funding opportunities to support the achievement of the strategy’s goals. It is on track to deliver 97 high-quality play parks by 2030, including new builds, major upgrades, and inclusive green spaces that serve all generations and communities across the District.