Designs have been unveiled for possible features to be included in the new unique outdoor play adventure experience being planned at Gosford Forest Park.
As Armagh I revealed last month, this element of the overall multi-million pound bid to create a five-star tourist destination will cost £850,000 alone.
Gosford Forest Park is located outside Markethill, a 240-hectare estate featuring miles of paths and trails around the beautiful woodland and open park spaces.
Initial designs have now been drawn up after a workshop and meeting with councillors.
Lord Mayor Julie Flaherty said: “We are delighted to unveil the new designs and we are super excited about what the future holds for Gosford – these new innovative designs will dramatically enhance Gosford as a major destination in the UK and Ireland.
“The five striking new play structures will be a fantastic addition and will encourage even more families and children to explore and discover the outdoors.”
Leading the plans for the new adventure trails are award-winning designers Adam White and Andree Davies.
They said they were “excited” by the proposals and added: “The play structures are unique in scale and design and offer inclusivity and challenge for all age groups and abilities.”
The adventure play trail is being designed by landscape architects Davies White who have expertise in playful landscapes and innovative design.
Since winning their first RHS Gold Medal and BBC People’s Choice Award the company have gone on to win over 15 national awards for innovative play space projects, including Glasgow’s Commonwealth Games Legacy Play Park.
The designs for Gosford Forest Park will showcase five iconic play structures linked by a 2km woodland play trail.
The new outdoor adventure play experience will not only satisfy the growing demand for more child-orientated experiences in the Northern Ireland tourism market, it will establish Gosford Forest Park on a scale that is unprecedented amongst all other forest parks across the UK and Ireland.
It is hoped that construction will begin in July 2019 with completion by the end of March 2020.
