The founder members of the CKS tenants association. Through their great efforts, a Community Centre in O'Kane Park was built.
A Vision Begins: The Origins of CKS
In the early 1970s, the communities of O’Kane Park, Culmore Park, and Shandon Park found themselves facing a shared challenge—while their neighbourhoods were growing, there were few social or recreational resources to meet the needs of families, young people, or older residents.
There was nowhere for community groups to gather, no local venue for events or meetings, and no central hub to support the wellbeing of residents. The lack of accessible facilities was deeply felt, especially by young people and older citizens who were often isolated or without local opportunities to connect.
Motivated by this gap, concerned residents came together and began asking important questions:
What do we need? Who can provide it? Where and when can it happen? Why is this so important?
What do we need? Who can provide it? Where and when can it happen? Why is this so important?
These questions led to a public meeting in the Town Hall, where the idea of a community centre was formally proposed. With broad support from residents, the CKS Association (named after the three parks—Culmore, O’Kane, and Shandon) was officially formed in 1974 to represent the community’s voice and vision.
The goal was simple but ambitious: to create a shared space where people could gather, socialise, learn, and grow together. A place that would offer activities for all ages—from youth discos to senior luncheons, playgroups to educational workshops. A centre built not just with bricks and mortar, but with a strong foundation of community spirit, inclusion, and cooperation.
Omagh District Council and the Community Relations Commission responded positively, seeing the potential for a lasting impact. With this institutional support, the Association secured the green light to move forward.
From these grassroots beginnings, a powerful sense of community identity began to take shape—one that would ultimately lead to the construction of the CKS Community Centre, and transform three housing estates into a unified and thriving neighbourhood.
Opening Day: November 9, 1976
The original CKS Community Centre was officially opened on Tuesday, November 9, 1976, at a cost of £30,000, with 75% funded by the Department of Education. Mr. Joe Hill, Secretary of the new Management Committee, was handed the keys by Council Chairman Gerald McEnhill.
The Centre served around 3,000 residents and hosted everything from bingo and playgroups to youth events and concerts. It stood as a symbol of cooperation between residents, the Council, and various local services.
Community Spirit and Growth
The CKS Management Committee quickly became a hub of activity. From Christmas parties for over 400 children to discos for teenagers and senior citizen dinners, the Centre buzzed with life.
A 10p weekly contribution supported these events, and volunteers kept the Centre decorated, operational, and inclusive of all age groups.
Development in the 1990s
By May 1995, the community recognised a need for revitalisation. The CKS Development Committee was established to identify local needs through a percentage poll. Their goals included upgrading the Centre and nearby parks, all carried out voluntarily.
Kieran Gallagher noted that though changes would take time, the dedication of the community and committee gave him confidence in long-term success.
Playgroup and Youth Engagement
In 1990, the Ladybird Playgroup opened with Louise Kiwan and Una Kelly. Over 15 years, the group provided early childhood education and hosted students from South West College.
By 2007, the CKS Youth Committee was formed. Comprising young people aged 13–21, they completed accredited development courses and worked closely with the Residents’ Committee. Their crowning achievement came in 2009 when they won the Northern Ireland Youth Award for Outstanding Achievement.
A New Era: £1.1 Million Refurbishment
In 2011, thanks to funding from the Department for Social Development, work began on a major £1.1 million extension and refurbishment of the Centre. The project included:
– A self-contained playgroup facility
– After-schools club
– Additional meeting rooms
– An extended multi-purpose room
– A new computer suite
The contract was awarded to McCann Brothers, with work starting in March 2011. Kieran Gallagher called the funding a “late but very welcome Christmas present.”
The People Behind the Progress
Gerry McCusker, who supported CKS through his work with FOCUS and Omagh District Council, shared a memorable story of the first youth club night when only one young person turned up. One week later, 14 more joined. That moment sparked years of progress and youth engagement.
Gerry praised the Neighbourhood Renewal Team and highlighted upcoming projects including fitness clubs, after-school programs, and even a youth-focused Dragon’s Den initiative.
Community Commitment
The Culmore & O’Kane Residents’ Committee, active since the beginning, worked tirelessly to support residents' welfare. Collaborating with agencies on housing, lighting, roads, and safety, they also pursued cross-border projects—like the iconic “sugar train” entrance feature developed with Sligo’s Cranmore Estate.
They ensured young voices were heard through the Youth Forum and played a crucial role in the redevelopment of the Centre.
Looking Forward
The reopening of the Centre marked a new chapter in a long story of local resilience, activism, and unity. Councillor Frankie Donnelly, in his foreword, noted:
“In 36 years since the Centre first opened, it has been the focal point of the area. It is testament to the people and their commitment that the Centre remains central to community life.”
The CKS Community Centre now stands as a state-of-the-art facility, ready to serve O’Kane, Culmore, and Shandon Parks—and to honour the legacy of those who built it.