Play_Park_Strategy_2021-2030

18 Fermanagh and Omagh District Council has the largest geographical area (3,000km²) with the smallest resident population of the eleven councils in Northern Ireland. The current population of the district is 116,835 (2018) of which there is 25,356 under the age of 15 years. Whilst the total population is predicted to rise to 119,862, the number of children under 15 is set to fall to 23,302 (8% change). The Council currently manages and maintains 110 play parks The current district ratio of parks to children under 15 equates to 4.34 parks per 10,000 children. For reference, the UK average is 4.01 and the Northern Ireland average is 2.58 (Based on APSE 2018 data source). The Council is of the opinion that, whilst there appears to be over provision in the district, the national averages should not be used as a guide reference in this district due to the rural nature and geographical spread of our communities over a large geographical area. Feasibility Review and Economic Appraisal 2019 The Council considered that the current play park focus to date has been short term in nature and primarily based on maintaining the current provision. A review was therefore considered necessary to investigate development of play provision in a more strategic way, over a medium-term period in order to best serve current and future community needs. An independent consultant was appointed in 2019 to undertake this review of existing provision in the form of a Feasibility Review and Economic Appraisal of District Play Park Provision. This review was to inform the strategic development of Council play assets and support preparation of a detailed plan for future play provision, including consideration of how Council could seek to enhance and upgrade equipment and associated facilities.