Have some fun in Ballinhassig!
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Mayor of Cork Cllr Danny Collins with Cllr Ben Dalton O’Sullivan, Chair, Carrigaline Municipal District; Cllr Audrey Buckley; Cllr Marcia D’Alton, and Denis McCarthy, Chair, Ballinhassig Village Association and Cllr Seamus McGrath, Sophie Lynch, Rubie Quilter, Anna Downey, and Cllr Michael Paul Murtagh at the official opening.Niamh Áine Ryan
A new nature-inspired playground has been officially opened in Cork county.
The playground in Ballinhassig has natural play spaces that are designed to adapt to their setting. Located in the heart of the village on a 2 acre community park, the project was managed by Cork County Council with input from Ballinhassig Village Association.
The council-owned site has been transformed by the very active community group to deliver a community park with play spaces and walking areas. Since 2019, Cork County Council said it has provided community grants of €41,500 for the enhancement of this valued public space, €9,000 of which has recently been awarded under the 2023 Carrigaline MD Community Fund Scheme. This is in addition to €120,000 funding for the new playground.
Speaking at the recent opening, Mayor Collins welcomed the new amenity for Ballinhassig: “Providing a playground is about much more than having a space where children can get much needed exercise. It enables them to reap other benefits of play, such as creativity, cognitive development and social skills. Being outdoors and getting regular exercise is vital to the physical and mental health. As a meeting point in the community, it can also help to break down social and cultural barriers.”
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey said: “Cork County Council is committed to providing accessible and inclusive opportunities for children and young people. We are delighted to have worked with Ballinhassig Village Association to deliver this valuable resource for the community.”