THE newly opened playground in Mungret has been specifically designed to accommodate non able-bodied children.
Located on an 11-hectare site, the playground comprises of 3,000 square metres, and includes equipment suitable for both able bodied and non able-bodied children and encourages dual use. There is also a sensory area for children on the autistic spectrum.
“When we sat down to design the playground, we had the needs of less able and non able bodied children in mind. Drawing from our experiences with other council-owned playgrounds across the city and county, we knew the playgrounds were being enjoyed by everyone,” explained senior executive engineer with Limerick City and County Council, Tara Flanagan.
“Limerick City and County Council worked closely with Cycle for Sick Children and Sophie’s Journey Foundation in relation to the design to get a real appreciation of the needs of non able bodied children. Kompan Ireland, who installed the playground, really captured our thinking in their equipment design,” she added.
The park and playground is not just for children. There are two kilometres of walk and cycle paths and stunning views from the top of the site.
Adult exercise equipment and benches are being provided along the perimeter of the park and landscaping will continue throughout the coming months, to make people’s walks and workouts more visually pleasing.
The total cost of design, construction and landscaping is €1.2 million.
The playground will be open from 8am to 9pm from May to September and 8am to 5pm, from October to April.
Local councillors have welcomed the opening of the new playground on the grounds of the former Mungret College land this week.
“The opening of the €1 million playground facility will be enthusiastically welcomed by the Mungret, Raheen, Dooradoyle community as an essential facility that has been sadly lacking for many years in this part of the City,” said Labour Party councillor Joe Leddin.
Sinn Fein councillor for City West, Malachy McCreesh, hailed the development of the playground facility as a “great achievement for the people of Limerick”.
“If the smiles on the faces of children and adults alike are any measure of the initial success of this long awaited playground then, the first day was a very positive thumbs-up. The future plans for the Mungret Park area should ensure that the communities of Limerick will be able to avail of a safe and secure recreational area,” said Cllr McCreesh.
by Alan Jacques
