Hi my name is Katie and I am a resident of the Lough area.

I use the Lough playground daily with my 3 kids.

The Lough holds a special place in all our hearts. Its vast catchment area serves as a recreational haven for numerous families and individuals from various corners. However, the current state of the playground is in need of renovation and improvement to make it accessible and engaging for all. Instead of patching up the various holes in the playground we need to properly renovate whilst also making it a more inclusive space for kids of all needs and abilities.

I have previously set up a petition to gain the attention of the council for funding.

They have verbally agreed to a certain amount but the plans they have set out do not align with our vision for the playground that the Lough deserves. So I have decided to start fundraising to put together as much as we can along with the councils funding.

The Lough playground is more than just swings and slides. It is a site of countless shared memories and an important social node facilitating connections amongst community members. Neglecting this playground means failing our community and the generations to come. Let's refurbish the Lough playground and ensure it remains a valuable asset for the entire community. We understand the cost of everything is very high and we are living in trying times but please give any amount you can.

Public spaces, particularly playgrounds, are critical for community well-being and children's development. Access to play is a fundamental right of every child, as recognized by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF). In the UK studies have found that improved local playgrounds significantly enhance community integration and children’s physical, emotional and social development (Government UK, 2015). By investing in this cause the local council can help foster better growth, sense of community and inclusivity in the community while also promoting outdoor play and physical activity.

I’m really hoping the community will get behind us and push this on so we can finally have the playground we deserve.

I’m more than happy to answer any questions anyone has and I’m very grateful for the support.

I’m just so passionate about the Lough as I also grew up here and I’ve seen it be left to deteriorate for too long now and really want to change it. I have the support of our local city councillors who are helping us along the way.