Ards and North Down Council has allocated £1,125,000 for play park improvements in the upcoming year. Projects target sites in Newtownards, Bangor, Portaferry, Ballyhalbert, Millisle, Ballygowan, Greyabbey and Groomsport.

Island View playpark in Greyabbey and Moss Road multi-use games area in Ballygowan will finish by month end. Seafront play park in Groomsport has completed upgrades.

Scheduled work includes Tullymally in Portaferry for £85,000, Glenford in Newtownards for £170,000, Skipperstone in Bangor for £170,000 and Sportsplex in Bangor for £170,000. Ballyhalbert play park will upgrade to Tier 1 status for £250,000. Ballywalter Road play park in Millisle receives £250,000.

Provisions for older children cover a facility at Cloughey Road in Portaferry for £200,000, a youth shelter at The Commons in Donaghadee for £15,000 and a basketball area in Ward Park, Bangor for £15,000.

DUP alderman Robert Adair proposed removing Glenford playpark and adding Abbott Gardens park. He stated public feedback calls for more investment in existing parks over closures and noted Ballyhalbert often feels overlooked.

SDLP councillor Joe Boyle opposed the change, citing uncertainty over linked park and ride details. Alderman Lorna McAlpine objected to altering independent reports. Councillor Tom Brady called for fair distribution of refurbishments.

Peninsula councillor Pete Wray welcomed upgrades in Ballyhalbert, Millisle and Portaferry. The amendment received five votes for, seven against and three abstentions.