This article is from page 11 of the 2011-06-28 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 11 JPG
THE outgoing Mayor of Ennis, Councillor Tommy Brennan (Ind), and Cllr Peter Considine (FF) cut the ribbon on a new € 240,000 playground in Ennis yesterday,
Ennis Town Council entered into a contract with the Crawford Group in January 2011 for the provision of the new playground facilities at Tim Smythe Park.
Speaking at the official opening Mayor Brennan said, “The provision of playground facilities at Tim Smythe Park is appropriate having regard to the playgrounds location at the centre of the town and its established use by many families. The new facilities are a recognition by the Council of the importance of play and playground facilities in the lives of children.
“It is encouraging to see such investment by a public authority at a time of economic recession. I would like to compliment my fellow councillors for their vision and indeed the management staff of the Council for developing and overseeing the provision of these facilities which will benefit the community for many years,” added Mayor Brennan.
The playground is designed to provide universally accessible, imaginative and interactive play. There are three play areas. The 0-12 years area has a variety of equipment including swings, a parrot see-saw, a spring rocker and a roundabout.
A rope net climbing structure, cable runway, drop shot and a trim trail are just some of the facilities of the teen play area, while the adult exercise area will incorporate exercise for all abilities.
The scheme has been complemented by CCTV and a public lighting scheme, as well as a pedestrian crossing at the northern end of Tim Smythe Park leading to the relocated playground.
Cllr Peter Considine who presided over the opening of the original Tim Smythe Park playground during the 1980s said: “The play facilities have been provided by the Council to supplement and enhance the sport and recreational facilities in Ennis. The Council is proud of its achievements in recent years by the providing of playground facilities in Cloughleigh, Stonecourt, Lees Road Sports and Amenity Park and now these fabulous facilities at Tim Smythe Park.”