Clon celebrates unveiling of new playground
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Heaven Ghafarji, aged 2, from Clonakilty at the new Clonakilty playground opening.Image 2 of 3
Officially opening the new Clonakilty playground was Orla O’Donovan and Gill Connole-Fowler (dressed as Minnie Mouse).Image 3 of 3
Pictured at the back were Alexandra Fitzgerald, 8 and Annie Harte, 4 with Zoe Lowney, 8, in front, at the new Clonakilty playground.Marguerite Kiely
Last Saturday, Clonakilty celebrated the grand opening of its brand-new playground with an array of fun-filled family festivities, including circus workshops and face-painting.
The playground is designed to be inclusive and accessible and was partly fund-raised by kids from the West Cork town.
Music was provided by Electric Mayhem and attendees were treated to culinary delights by local food producer Clonakilty Black Pudding, Auntie Nellies Sweet Shop and Saucy Cups Coffee.
The Clonakilty Playground Fundraising Committee, which was established by the Clonakilty Chamber of Commerce, were tasked with fundraising and overseeing the new development of an inclusive and state-of-the-art playground, for both local families and visitors to the West Cork town.
The new playground is designed with a focus on inclusivity that caters for all with accessible equipment and a sensory play area as part of Clonakilty’s plan to be an autism-friendly town.
There is a wheelchair-accessible swing, see-saw and roundabout, and an accessible swing seat.
The committee said that local children and primary schools raised a significant amount towards this project, inspiring themed fundraisers, and taking the initiative to hold their own cake stalls or secondhand book and toy sales.
The local community and volunteers were thanked by the committee for their continued support and along with the kindness of local businesses, donors, and sponsors, as they all came together at the new playground on Saturday to celebrate.
Orla O’Donovan from the Clonakilty playground committee said: “We would like to thank everyone who has made this journey possible, without such generosity and community spirit we wouldn’t be here today to celebrate this magnificent achievement.
“We are thrilled to have reached this momentous milestone and we’re so grateful to every volunteer, every donation and every sponsor that has made this possible. We look forward to enjoying this special playground with you all for many years to come.”