Toddlers to teenagers set to see benefits of upgraded playground and skatepark

The Dunboyne Playground and Skatepark will see a major transformation later this year, with plans to invest €280,000 in new equipment, which will cater for toddlers up to teenagers.

The proposals by the Dunboyne Playspace Forum will include new teen zone, where teenagers can get together. This will include equipment such as hanging bars and other exercise facilities, as well as “sociable swings” that face each other.

“Following a number of conversations last year about the playground, it was clear the existing playground wasn't fit for purpose,” says Cllr Maria Murphy.

“One end of the skatepark had been removed after an attempt had been made to burn it.”

She explains the Dunboyne Playspace Forum was formed to actively work on the issue.

“We developed a survey to gather views from a wider body of parents which was launched in May 2021. The survey was supported by all the local primary schools and some preschool services.

“We were delighted when a total of 893 people responded to the survey.”

Cllr Murphy explains that they applied for funding under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme 2021 via Meath County Council and the project was recently awarded €100,000.

“At the moment we have a total of €130,000 but we have commenced fundraising as we have ambitious plans to provide a playspace from the pre school age to teens.

“We will be approaching local businesses for support and Meath County Council is fully behind us.

“The project will upgrade the existing play equipment, replace the existing skatepark, install fencing to ensure the safety of the younger children and install new seating.”

She said the project is expected to go to tender in July with the contractor being appointed in September.

“All things going to plan the works should commence in October with a completion time of four to six weeks.”

The results of the survey show that 2,400 children use the park regularly and 1,848 use the skatepark.

One of the issues raised a lot by respondents was that despite the fact that the skate park was designed for the older children to use, younger children are using it as a sliding area. Older children and teens are put off using the skate park as they have to avoid younger children.

“There is only one slide in the playground and not enough equipment. The pressure on the playground increases the pressure on the skate park.”

Respondents spoke of the need for seating that facilitates groups to sit together and mothers expressed “difficulty finding appropriate seating for breastfeeding” and said they often drive to ensure they can sit to feed as needed.

Some 68 of respondents said there wasn't enough of variety of equipment, while 63 per cent felt that investment was needed in age-appropriate equipment for older users.

Many expressed a desire for the toddler area to be “fenced in” with expressions about the lack of safety at the existing playground which opens directly into the car park, without a gate.

The new project will be managed by Meath County Council in consultation with Dunboyne Playground Forum.

“The committee has been meeting with playground equipment providers and researching the market to see what is possible for this space and we are very excited about the project.

“There is widespread support for the project across all ages, the children, parents, grandparents who take their grandchildren to the playground, childminders and childcare providers and educators,” said Cllr Murphy.