A CHILDREN'S play park has been razed to the ground by Fermanagh and Omagh District Council in response to ongoing vandalism and anti-social behaviour. 

The most recent wanton incident at Drumawill Playpark, Enniskillen, saw major damage caused to surfaces and the callous destruction of several pieces of kids' play equipment last Tuesday, August 6.

According to figures obtained by The Impartial Reporter, this was the 17th incident of vandalism and anti-social behaviour at the now former play park this year.

Following the latest incident, the Council has confirmed that it is now turning the site into a 'Green Space', which it claims will promote a better understanding of biodiversity and the natural environment.

Yesterday (Wednesday), the area was closed off, all play equipment had been removed, and the play area had been dug over by a digger.

A Council spokeswoman confirmed that the decision to progress the green space was made "following the recent episode of vandalism/ASB at Drumwill Play Park".

The spokeswoman also said that the 17 incidents of vandalism and anti-social behaviour since January 1, 2024 ranged from incidents including "broken glass in, on and around play equipment" to "more significant structural damage".

Local residents have reacted with mixed emotions following the demolition of the play park.

"It's desperately sad that the children won't have a place to play any more," said a resident of nearby Drumawill Park, who did not wish to be named.

"The play park has been there for as long as I can remember. It's sad to see it going, especially for the children of this park.

"However, I'm not surprised, given what happened [last week]. It's a shame those doing this can't just leave things alone."

Another nearby resident, who also did not wish to be named, said that she hopes the removal of the ill-fated play park will mean the end of ongoing issues with anti-social behaviour and vandalism at the site.

"It's sad for the wee ones," she said. "Years ago, no-one ever vandalised anything. We had respect for our things, and if anything, when something was broken, we would have helped to fix it.

"But things have changed now. It will be sad to see the park go, but also not sad, due to all that has went on there. 

"I hope that they [the Council] won't decide to rebuild the playpark, as it would just get wrecked again. Truthfully, it wouldn't be a good use of taxpayers' money."

The Council was unable to provide an approximate cost regarding the 17 incidents of vandalism at the former Drumawill Play Park, but outlined that the costs will be met from approved and finite annual budgets.

"Each incidence of vandalism therefore diverts resources away from other activities," the Council  spokeswoman said.

Councillor Dermot Browne, Sinn Féin, condemned the vandalism and the loss of the play park, saying that local children will "lose out".

"It is very disappointing to see this play park being damaged in Enniskillen," said Councillor Browne.

"Now, because of the actions of a few selfish vandals, the whole community will lose out on a fantastic resource for the kids in the area."

Councillor Browne added that the number of times the park has been damaged this year alone is "shocking".

"I am surprised and shocked at this number, especially as there doesn't seem to be occurrences of this frequency at other play parks locally.

"It's sad that a small group of selfish individuals feel intent on ruining that for the community. It can't and won't be tolerated."