AIM

1. AIM This exciting project will create an urban park, a full size floodlit 3G pitch for rugby, Gaelic and football and an adventure play park. Newtownabbey Borough Council is receiving funding from the Special European Union Programmes Body (SEUPB) of £3,580,500 for the Valley Park Shared Space project. We want to create a unique and valued shared space which will be a welcoming, safe and attractive environment for the communities in the direct vicinity of the Valley Park, from the Newtownabbey Borough, area, North Belfast and from right across Northern Ireland.

2. Adventure Play Area Large pieces of play equipment – climbing frames/walls, play sculptures, Using natural materials which reflect the setting Budget £410,000 (comparison JLSP £235,000) Incorporate existing site features into design New features egParkour/free running

3. Some concept images. Not final images. Final plans to be confirmed.

4. Urban Park Using variety of materials – paving, grass…. Public art pieces (community involvement) Creative landscaping – public art in itself Designed for variety of public events – movies, concerts, markets, fun days …… Formal/Informal spaces Budget £1.74m

5. Urban Park Existing Space

6. Some concept images. Not final images. Final details to be confirmed.

7. 3G Pitch Promoted and managed for multi-sports use (soccer, Gaelic, rugby) Accessible and safe for all players and communities

8. New Synthetic Pitch Pavilion Urban Park (Existing) Synthetic Pitch New Synthetic Pitch

9. The Consultation Process Methods used… Public Consultation events Questionnaires Interviews Creative Workshops Focus Groups Community based consultation

10. Who was consulted? • General public • Existing users/visitors • Residents • Children (nursery, primary, special needs, uniformed organisations) • Young people (formal & informal settings) • Parents, grand-parents, teachers, youth workers • Local community groups • Statutory organisations

11. What did we ask? Wish list Blank canvas Access Safe space Ownership What is important to you • Current provision • Users / non users • Likes / dislikes • Facilities • Features • Events

12. Community Engagement and Consultation Event Thursday 27 March 2014

13. You told us you wanted a welcoming, shared & safe space Good lighting and directional signage and sense of safety and security (park warden) are important to you. You want each part connected and linked well – improved paths and trails Free/affordable series of activities/events to promote Good Relations, build ownership and help communities feel safe and welcome Continued community participation

14. Adventure Play Area you said Think big and be creative Develop a park theme Use larger pieces of play equipment – climbing frames/walls, play sculptures, Use natural materials which reflect the setting

15. Urban Park you said Use variety of materials – paving, grass…. Public art pieces (community involvement) Creative landscaping – public art in itself Design for variety of public events – movies, concerts, markets, fun days …… Think big and be creative

16. 3G Pitch you said Promoted and managed for multi-sports use (soccer, Gaelic, rugby) Accessible and safe for all players and communities Make it affordable for local communities to use.

17. Children’s Art Workshops • “Drop in and Draw” • Valley Leisure Centre • Rathcoole Youth Centre • Glengormley Pavillion • What does your perfect adventure look like? • Artist Janet Crymble encouraged and asked questions • Almost 100 drawings from children aged 4-14

18. Key Findings – Themes you said you would like • Pirates • Castles • Dinosaurs followed by; • jungles • rockets • snakes • dragons

19. How we are using the feedback The feedback from the consultation is helping us to refine the design. We are working to finalise the scheme details to make this space your space.

20. Timetable for Project