People’s Park Trim Trail proves a hit with all ages and abilities

​Visitors to the People’s Park in Ballymena can now try their hand on the newly launched Trim Trail, which offers the perfect way to keep fit while also having fun!

The trim trail, which has been in place since November 2019 and is already proving popular with people of all ages, was officially launched last week by Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Cllr Maureen Morrow.

The Mayor was joined for the occasion by the Lord Lieutenant of County Antrim, David McCorkell, local councillors and Council Officers.

Council secured funding from the Fields in Trust independent charity – which has been protecting parks and green spaces across the UK for almost a century – to dedicate a number of its public parks as green spaces for future generations.

Activity programmes were also delivered at Dixon Park in Larne, the People’s Park and Shaftesbury Park in Carrickfergus over the last two years.

The Mayor said: “It is with great delight that I have been asked to officially launch the new Trim Trail at the People’s Park in Ballymena.

“Since being installed a few months ago, it has been one of the most popular features of the park, and it is great to see so many people enjoying it.

“The trail has been well used already by people of all ages and abilities, from All Saints’ Men’s Group to adults with learning and physical issues who attend The Base right here in the park, as well as a local gymnastics club.

“The Trim Trail has been made possible thanks to the funding from Fields in Trust, in partnership with London Marathon Charitable Trust, and the equipment is open for all to use, so I would encourage everyone to get out and try it for themselves!”

Chief Grants Officer for The London Marathon Charitable Trust, Sarah Ridley, said:

"Since 1981, The London Marathon Charitable Trust has funded a huge range of projects which have inspired millions of people to get active.

“Delivered in partnership with Fields in Trust, Active Spaces is our first UK-wide funding initiative. We are delighted to fund this important project at People’s Park and to support Mid and East Antrim Borough Council to deliver it.

“The site will be permanently protected, and new facilities provided through a grant from The Trust, enabling local people to enjoy the benefits of physical activity into the future."

Chief Executive of Fields in Trust, Helen Griffiths, said:

“We know that parks and green spaces contribute to health and wellbeing; people enjoy greater life satisfaction including both improved physical and mental health, directly as a result of regularly using parks and green spaces.

“We congratulate Mid and East Antrim Borough Council on this award which will contribute to a happier and healthier local community able to enjoy People’s Park in perpetuity.”