In October 2002 a consortium of local organisations, now known as the Liberty Consortium, came together to form a steering committee to work towards the following aim:
“Through community co-operation and collaboration to design, construct, develop and maintain an inclusive adventure play trail in the grounds of the Racecourse Road Campus of Foyle View School and Belmont House School.” f
Tom McCully & Michael Dobbins, principals of Belmont House
and Foyle View Schools watching work begin on the Playtail
A 25 year lease has been secured from Western Education & Library Board (WELB) and the significant capital works of the Playtrail has been completed. The completed areas include a large adventure play area which includes a 20m 'zip' slide, a unique sensory garden containing specialised equipment to excite the senses of children & young people, a junior play area, an impressive 200 seater outdoor auditorium, nature trail and Playtrail Visitor Centre. The 1km trail network, that links all the areas, also includes an orienteering course & trim trail and is fully accessible to all.
Further works have recently been completed on-site with the development of our Eco-Base, a unique environmental educational building that will be used to promote sustainable development and living. The Eco-Base is a 'traditional' strawbale construction, utilising roof slates manufacted from recycled rubber and includes a rain water harvesting system. Funding has also been secured to install a total of 24 PV Solar Panels to produce 'green' electricity for the building.
The Playtrail is open to all to use although all children & young people must be accompained by an adult. Families are asked to make a small donation while there is a fixed fee structure for visiting groups inc. schools.
Why not contact Mark or Sinead @ (028) 7136 8173 to arrange a visit to the Playtrail and dicuss a booking.