Antrim and Newtownabbey councillors have approved a request for a sensory garden to be created at the rear of Muckamore Community Centre, outside Antrim.
Muckamore Community Playgroup has requested permission to develop the council-owned land.
The playgroup has been resident at Muckamore Community Centre for 46 years. It has developed an outdoor space already which includes a soft play surface, fencing and landscaping.
A report presented to the borough council’s Community Development Committee, at a meeting in Mossley Mill, on Monday evening, said:
“The aim of the project is to promote education, health and well-being through environmental and horticultural activities.
“The proposed project includes removal of rotted raised flowerbeds, levelling the existing ground, installation of artificial grass, bark and a sensory garden with wild flower space, sensory boards and raised planting beds.”
The report indicated that the playgroup has secured £3,500 Education Authority funding for the project.
It is proposed that the group would be responsible for the ongoing maintenance of the outdoor area.
Proposing that the committee approved the development of the sensory garden at the Muckamore Community Centre, Antrim Ulster Unionist Councillor Leah Smyth said:
“I love a good sensory garden. Well done to the playgroup for bringing this forward.”
Antrim SDLP Councillor Roisin Lynch said:
“Very happy to second the recommendation and welcome Muckamore Playgroup’s initiative.”
In August 2022, the council approved a request from Ballyduff Community Redevelopment Group for the development of a community garden project on land owned by local authority next to the local community centre.
It was proposed that the group would be responsible for ensuring the ongoing maintenance of the community garden, with funding from The Bryson Group and Live Here Love Here to fund the project.
In 2021, the borough council opened a £30k sensory garden at Hazelbank Park, Newtownabbey.
In September 2022, a £27k sensory garden was opened at Antrim Castle Gardens to provide a “therapeutic and calming outdoor sanctuary” for children and adults with autism, dementia and other sensory needs.