Andreas Commissioners community funded play area officially opened 

Chair Jackie Faragher said there were some setbacks but they 'persevered' to the end

A community funded play area in the north of the Island was officially opened over the weekend.

Andreas Commissioners spent the last four years on the development and worked with local organisations to support the initiative – including hosting a darts match and a mhelliah.

Chair of the local authority Jackie Faragher said they had a number of setbacks during the process but ‘persevered’ to the end.

The commissioners had agreed not to use the rates to fund the play area, which was estimated to cost £85,000.

Instead, the Manx Lottery Trust, Elizabeth Clucas Charitable Trust, Ayre United Football Club along with others helped fund the facility.

Mrs Faragher says the area is designed for all age groups and has a wheelchair accessible roundabout, as well as baby swings and level access.

She added people shouldn’t ‘underestimate’ the ‘power’ of their community and is pleased that the park is now open:

Two representatives from The Manx Lottery Trust, said one of the reasons why the project ‘stood out’ to them initially was its inclusivity and how ‘thought through’ it was.

The organisation granted £50,000 to the commissioners, which covered the cost of installing the equipment and safety features.

Sophie Pearse and Vice-Chair of the trust David Christian say it means a lot to see the project come to fruition:

MHKs for the area Alf Cannan and Tim Johnston were also in attendance and said the facility shows the 'importance' of having local commissioners who understand what is needed in the community: