Work has commenced on the development of a new play environment in Eglinton at a cost of £250,000. This project is part financed by the European Union through the Peace II Programme and managed for the SEUPB by the Northern Ireland Rural Development Council (RDC); Derry City Council through the Parks Development Programme and the International Fund for Ireland (IFI). This project is managed by Derry City Council on behalf of Eglinton Community Safety Forum. It is supported by Rural Area Partnership in Derry (RAPID) and Groundwork NI through the Greencare Northwest Project. This project aims to develop a shared play provision in the centre of Eglinton Village for the whole community.  Welcoming this investment, the Mayor Gerard Diver said he was delighted that the scheme is now underway following two years of development and fundraising.“The provision of a new play environment for Eglinton Village is a significant investment for the people of this area and symbolises Councils and other funders commitment to the rural community. The need for a shared facility in Eglinton Village is essential to create new facilities for the whole community.”Speaking on behalf of the Rural Development Council, Board member Leslie Craig, commented: “As an organisation which is committed to supporting rural communities, we are delighted to have been able to assist the Eglinton Community Safety Forum.  We envisage that this project will provide opportunities for rural peace and reconciliation through the provision of amenities, which cater for both communities irrespective of background and providing opportunities for people to meet in a neutral environment. We are very heartened to see that the community group had the foresight and confidence to put at the forefront of their objectives the creation of a space which would serve everyone.”John McDaid, International Fund for Ireland, Board Member said: “We are committed to supporting projects such as the Eglinton Village Green play park, which bring young and old people together in a neutral and shared space, promoting reconciliation and ultimately the creation of a more integrated and stable society in Northern Ireland. We would like to congratulate all those involved and look forward to seeing the play facility open.”John Kelpie, City Engineer acknowledged the important role of the funders and the project team involved in progressing the initiative. “As part of the Parks Development Programme, the creation of a new Eglinton Village Green clearly demonstrates Council’s commitment to creating space that meet the need of the community as apposed to simply reinvestment in the existing poorly designed and sited play areas”.Jim Logue Chairman of Eglinton Community Safety Forum said: “We would like to extend our thanks to Rural Development Council (RDC), the International Fund for Ireland (IFI), Derry City Council Parks Development Programme, RAPID and Greencare for their support in this project and making this scheme a reality”.Jim McColgan, chairperson of RAPID said: "RAPID are delighted to be part of the overall strategic development of Eglinton Village Green and the provision of the new play area will bring a much needed community facility to the area."The new facility will be complete early this summer.

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