Group FAQ's
Q. What do we do if it rains?
A. Unfortunately the only sheltered areas for groups are the Covered BBQ areas in the Activity Centre and Games Field or the Education Centre room (all privately hireable). There is also a seated shelter beside the mini car track but this is only available when the mini cars and trampolines are operational. It is therefore advantageous, to where possible, pay for your transportation to remain onsite. Dixon Hall in Drains Bay is also available for hire. Certain Family Fun Zone activities also have overhead shelter which allows them to operate even in the rain e.g. bouncy castle, bungee run or are simply not affected by wet weather e.g. WOW balls.
Q. Can we book a large group of children into an event?
A. Certain events are free to the public e.g. band concerts, falconry, puppet shows etc. and no booking is required. However groups cannot book events which have restricted numbers particularly those that require use of the Education Centre.
Q. Can we bring along an inflatable bouncy castle, mechanical rides etc?
A. No - bouncy castles or other inflatables such as slides and gladiator duals or mechanical rides such as rodeo bulls cannot be brought onsite. If you wish to use a bouncy castle then please contact the operator of the Family Fun Zone to discuss private hire.
Q. Can we bring along our own entertainers / face painters?
A. Entertainers such as magicians, puppeteers and dj's etc. are permitted within privately hired areas e.g. covered BBQ area. However you must seek approval before booking and a copy of the entertainers public liability insurance will be required within 2 weeks of your visit. As we have our own face painting franchisee onsite, NO other face painting suppliers can be brought into the Park and you are advised to contact Facetastic directly to discuss group rates.
Q. Can we store pack lunches or personal possessions within the Park?
A. Storage space is limited. However if property cannot be stored in vehicles, packed lunches, coats and bags (but not valuables) may be placed in the Education Centre foyer or Activity Centre, at your own risk, subject to availability and advance notification.
Q. Can 'goody bags' be made up?
A. The gift shop can prepare a 'goody bag' system where items are pre-packed in paper bags for each child for a specified amount discussed with reception staff before your visit e.g. pencil, rubber, sticker. Alternatively if you would like your group to use the shop, it is advisable to pre-arrange a time with the reception staff before the day of your visit.
Q. Can you supply us with a copy of your insurance?
A. Yes – this is available on request as like all local authorities we do have public liability insurance. However when organising your trip we advise you to undertake a risk assessment and ensure that your organisation is insured for such trips. Additionally it is essential that you have received parental consent for all children visiting.
Q. Do you have risk assessments available?
A. The management team can advise on risk assessments but they should be used in conjunction with your own risk assessments and are not intended to stand alone as they are specific to operations and events.
Q. Do you have trained first aiders?
A. As part of staff induction training all staff receive basic first aid knowledge. However we cannot guarantee that a qualified first aider will be present during your visit and would advise you to take any precautions necessary. First aid kits are available within the activity centre and visitor centre but these cannot contain pills, lotions or creams e.g. treatments for insect stings, headaches etc.
Q. Can you provide an educational guide?
A. Unfortunately this service is no longer available. However we do offer a range of downloadable educational resources, which have been designed to be self guiding in nature, normally with accompanying teacher guidance notes.
Q. Can a group pay one fee and get a ticket to use all activities?
A. Unfortunately this is not feasible as there are separate businesses operating within the Park. As a publicly owned facility we normally cannot allocate sole private use of activities, unless in off peak periods. If you are interested in some form of collective payment you are advised to contact the operator of the Family Fun Zone to discuss group rates for their combined activities and likewise group payment arrangements can be made for the Activity Centre.
Q. Can we bring in a specialist company to carry out outdoor pursuits or team building activities?
A. These sorts of activities are only permitted in certain areas of the Park. Any company wishing to use the Park on behalf of a group will be expected to make a formal request in writing and supply a copy of their public liability insurance (normally £10 million cover) along with risk assessments for all activities proposed. A partnership arrangement currently exists with Elements Adventure Sport who arrange team building training and are aware of all suitable locations within the Park. Please contact John McClean on 07738 368433 or check out www.elementsadventure.co.uk for further details.
Q. Can our group have a political meeting in Carnfunnock Country Park?
A. No - in line with Council's obligations under Section 75 (1) and (2) of the Northern Ireland Act 1998, Larne Borough Council prohibits the use of any of its facilities for political purposes so as to maintain all venues as neutral spaces.
Q. Can we book a group visit this year for next year?
A. No - due to the demand for our covered bbq area, group bookings will only be accepted from the first working day in January, for that season only. Bookings can be made between January and Easter of each year by contacting the management team at Carnfunnock Country Park on 028 2827 0852. Bookings are then subsequently transferred over to the Visitor Centre when it reopens at Easter. Tel: 028 2827 0541.
CCP Group Booking Form- 13/12/2012