Work begins on new inclusive sensory garden at Woodvale Park

Construction has started on a new inclusive sensory garden and play area at Woodvale Park in Belfast. The development will transform a disused bowling green into an accessible space for children with additional needs and disabilities, with opening planned for spring 2027.

Work has begun on the new Woodvale Park sensory garden in Belfast, creating a dedicated outdoor space for children and young people with additional needs and disabilities.

The project will transform the park’s former disused bowling green into an accessible and engaging environment designed to support play, learning and wellbeing.

The new facility will also provide a valuable resource for families, carers, schools and community groups across North Belfast.

The development forms part of Belfast City Council’s wider investment in improving parks and open spaces across the city.

Woodvale Park Sensory Garden to Feature Inclusive Play Equipment

The new sensory garden will offer a safe, stimulating and inclusive environment where children can explore, play and connect with nature.

Planned features include:

• Sensory planting designed to stimulate different senses.
• A dedicated acoustic area.
• A storytelling circle for group activities.
• Accessible seating and signage.
• Inclusive play equipment.
• Grass mounds and landscaped areas.
• Boundary fencing and extensive planting.

The development aims to encourage sensory exploration, relaxation and social interaction.

Further information about the park and the development is available on the official Woodvale Park page.

Local Families Help Inspire Inclusive Garden

The project was developed to address a shortage of suitable play facilities for children with additional needs and disabilities in the Greater Shankill area.

Its inspiration came partly from the experiences of local resident Katie Spence, a member of Snowflakes Family Support Group.

Katie, who is autistic and partially sighted, faced limited access to suitable play and leisure facilities while growing up.

Her family’s experiences highlighted the challenges faced by children and young people who require accessible outdoor environments.

For several years, families involved with Snowflakes often travelled to other parts of Belfast to access suitable facilities.

The idea of transforming Woodvale Park’s unused bowling green emerged from discussions about providing a dedicated inclusive space closer to home.

Snowflakes Family Support Group Welcomes New Development

Ashleigh Spence, from Snowflakes Family Support Group, welcomed the start of construction.

“For families like ours, having access to suitable outdoor spaces can make a huge difference. Snowflakes was founded to create opportunities for children and young people with additional needs, and it’s wonderful to see that same vision reflected in this new sensory garden and play area.

“Having a facility like this on our doorstep will give local families a welcoming place where children can play, explore and build confidence in an environment designed with their needs in mind.”

The new facility is also expected to support sensory-focused activities organised by Snowflakes and local schools.

Families interested in learning more about the support group can visit Snowflakes Belfast on Facebook.

Belfast City Council Welcomes Start of Construction

Councillor Ian McLaughlin, Chair of Belfast City Council’s Strategic Policy and Resources Committee, welcomed the development.

“We’re delighted to see work begin on this exciting new sensory garden at Woodvale Park. By transforming a disused area of the park, we’re creating a lasting community asset where children and young people with additional needs and disabilities can play, explore and thrive in a safe and welcoming environment.

“This investment reflects our commitment to the Belfast Agenda’s ambitions of reducing inequalities, improving health and wellbeing and creating a city that is inclusive and accessible for everyone.”

The Woodvale Park project follows other improvements across Belfast, including the completion of Highfield community garden and restoration of the Ormeau Park bandstand.

The council is also continuing work to improve accessibility across its public green spaces.

Readers can explore other local outdoor spaces through the council’s Belfast parks and open spaces directory.

When Will Woodvale Park Sensory Garden Open?

The new Woodvale Park sensory garden and inclusive play area is expected to open in spring 2027.

Once completed, it will provide an accessible destination for families across North Belfast and the surrounding areas.

The garden will also create opportunities for schools and community groups to organise outdoor learning, sensory activities and inclusive events.

For the latest official information, visit Belfast City Council’s Woodvale Park page.

Stay Updated with Belfast Community News

Northern Ireland Online brings you the latest developments, community projects, local events and breaking news from across Belfast.

Visit our Belfast Local Guide for more local news, events and community updates.

Have your say: Do you think more parks across Northern Ireland should introduce inclusive sensory gardens and accessible play facilities?