My Visit to The People's Park - Pre-visitor Guide

My Visit to

The People’s Park

AUTISM FRIENDLY MEA

Welcome to The People’s Park

Everyone feels different when visiting a new place or trying something new. There are new sounds and smells, and you may not know what to expect.

This guide will help you get ready for your visit to The People’s Park.

It will • tell you how to get to The People’s Park • show you some of the things you can do when you visit.

Help Keep #OurMEA Safe

Since the covid-19 pandemic began, we have all had to make adjustments to what we do in public places.

Parks and open spaces have been open throughout the pandemic as they provide an important space for people to keep fit and active in a safe place.

20 SECS

Wash hands

However, you should still remember the rules – keep 2m social distance, wash your hands regularly and wear a face mask if indoors.

We expect these rules to be in place for a long time. It might be annoying, or it might feel strange, but it also means you can relax in the knowledge that we are making the park as safe as we can for everyone to enjoy.

Cover face

Thank you for your cooperation.

Make space

Getting to The People’s Park Richmond Park

Regents Park

Doury Road Glenariff Cresent

A26 Holland Park

Cushendall Road

Glendun Park Glendun Drive Green View

The People’s Park Thomas Street

Market Road A26

Parkway Fairhill Shopping Centre

Mount Street Meadow Street

Duke Street Hill Street

The People’s Park is located between the Doury Road and Ballymoney Road very close to the town centre of Ballymena.

There is a car park and a bike stand.

Getting to The People’s Park

Arriving at The People’s Park by car If you arrive by car, you can park in the car park at the Doury Road entrance.

On foot/bike If you are travelling on foot or bike there are a few entrances to the park.

Finding Your Way Around

The People’s Park

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Pedestrian Entrance

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Wifi is available at various locations

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Key Attractions

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1 Activity Area 2 Play Park 3 Duck Pond 4 The Big Apples

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Key to Symbols

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Information

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Parking

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Picnic Site The Hut Coffee Dock Toilets Changing Place accessible toilet First Aid Fitness Equipment Vehicle Entrance Tennis Courts Play Park

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Statue Community Garden Games Field

The People’s Park is a large urban park with lots of things to see and do. This map shows you how to get around the park.

Areas of Interest

The play park The play park is a large play area and can often be quite busy and noisy with lots of children having fun.

COMING SOON The Hub The Hub is a coffee shop in the park providing hot drinks and tray bakes. Some people love the smell of coffee!

Areas of Interest

The ice-cream van An ice-cream van is often on site in the car park selling ice-cream, cold drinks and other sweets. The van can play loud tunes to attract customers, and sometimes it runs a generator which can be noisy.

Tennis courts There are four tennis courts at People’s Park which are free for everyone to use and you do not need to book. Play is restricted to 30mins if people are waiting for their turn. Please bring your own rackets and balls.

Areas of Interest

Walking trails There are different walks around the park – some are a bit rough underfoot and quite steep if you fancy a challenge. There are a variety of really old and tall trees to see too.

You can stop and enjoy the park at many places – picnic benches and seats can be found throughout the park.

The Pavilion Toilets are located in the Pavilion building. This building is sometimes used for school groups to meet and can get very noisy with excited children.

Areas of Interest

The Lake There is a large lake in the People’s Park which is home to a wide range of water birds such as ducks, geese and coots. These birds are very friendly and sometimes think that everyone in the park is there to feed them! They waddle around visitors quite happily, but some people might like to stay away from them.

We also ask that no one chases or scares them. Also, please do not feed them bread as it gives them sore tummies! It is best to feed our ducks with fruit and veg - just like us! They love frozen peas.

Areas of Interest

Outdoor gym and Trim Trail The outdoor gym and Trim Trail provide opportunities for everyone to play!

Useful Information We are committed to welcoming everyone to Mid and East Antrim Borough Council’s facilities.

As well as producing this guide, we have signage in place around the site to help people with learning and visual disabilities find their way around.

Occasionally, at Peoples Park, we organise ‘Quiet Time’ to ensure everyone can enjoy the play park. During this time we limit numbers if necessary and ensure there is no noisy machinery operating nearby.

Quiet Times are advertised on site and on social media.

The park is very popular and can be very busy and noisy especially at weekends. Lots of local primary school children also visit the park after school which can result in a noisy afternoon.

Useful Information

Winter

Summer

People’s Park

8am - 6pm

8am - 8pm

Toilets

10am - 5:30pm

10am - 7:30pm

Play Park

8am - 5:50pm

8am - 7:30pm

Thank you for reading our guide.

We hope you are looking forward to your visit.

Our staff can assist you while at the park and help you with any of the facilities if required.

If you have any suggestions for improvement, please ask to speak to one our wardens on-site We hope this guide helps you prepare for your visit, helps you find your way around during your visit an makes it easier for you to enjoy your time with us.

Contact details The People’s Park Doury Road Ballymena 0300 124 5000 parks@midandeastantrim.gov.uk

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