'Major upgrade' revealed for the playground in Limerick's People's Park

PLANS have been announced for a "major upgrade" of the playground in the People's Park.

Limerick City and County Council hope that for Limerick's "first fully inclusive" playground aims to incorporate a variety of features designed to cater to children of diverse needs.

The construction is said to commence in early June and is expected to be completed within a span of six to eight weeks. A spokesperson for the council added that they "regret the disruption that this will cause," but adds that "this project will deliver an improved experience for all users."

The upgraded park will feature a combination of equipment to provide a wide-ranging design full of accessible, inclusive equipment. Offering everything from sliding, swinging, climbing, and bouncing, to spinning, balancing, socialising and imaginative play opportunities, the park is soon to be enjoyed by all.

Among the notable features, wheelchair-accessible equipment such as a roundabout, a trampoline, and a sand digger will be provided.

Additionally, other equipment will be accessible by transfer, ensuring children of various mobility levels can enjoy the playground's offerings. A wide slide on the park's embankment will allow children and carers to slide together.

In a bid to foster social integration, swing sets equipped with a large bucket-molded seat and a lockable "roller coaster" style harness will enable children lacking muscular strength and coordination to relish the swinging sensation alongside their peers.

A dedicated sensory area will feature an assortment of games panels, musical panels, and a story-telling zone.

The playground's overall design emphasizes a natural and adventurous theme, incorporating highly durable and low-maintenance materials made from natural robinia timber. The surfacing will mimic natural surroundings, with sand, grass mats, and resin-bound rubber mulch extensively employed throughout the play area.

It is said that the design will maximise green embankment areas, utilising them for slides, climbing structures, and an adventure trail. The expanded play area will accommodate larger gatherings of children, encouraging collaborative and inclusive play experiences.

Expressing his enthusiasm, Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Francis Foley, stated, "the new playground will be a game changer for children of all abilities. The current playground has come to its natural end of life and a new playground is needed for the city."

"The redevelopment will ensure that kids have a safe and exciting environment to play together, explore new equipment and let their imaginations run free," he continued.

Carmel Lynch, Head of Parks and Senior Executive Engineer with Limerick City and County Council, highlighted the significance of inclusivity, stating, "inclusivity is now a basis requirement for any new playground. The new People’s Park Playground will see the removal of all the existing surfacing and playground equipment."

She added, "the new design is a steer away from the traditional type of playground and provides opportunities for more imaginative and creative play."

The redevelopment project, funded by the Elected Members of the Metropolitan District of the Council and Limerick Sports Partnership, will be executed by Garden Escapes Ireland Ltd, a company who specialise in the design of play and sports areas.

For additional information on playgrounds in Limerick, visit Limerick.ie.