New playground and skatepark in Dunboyne could be ready by July
Dunboyne's new playground and skate park are expected to be ready by July.
Work is due to start on the new facilities in the next two weeks as Garden Escapes has been awarded the tender for both the playground and skatepark.
During the works, the carpark at the playground will be closed and the existing playground and skating facilities will be fenced off for health and safety reasons, but there will be walking access to the park.
The new facilities will cater for all children from toddlers to teenagers and children with disabilities.
"This is very exciting news, these facilities shoud be ready for the summer holidays and we will hold a big event for families to open it," said Cllr Maria Murphy, a member of the Playscape Forum, who have raised funds and lobbied for the new facilities.
The playground and skatepark has been made possible with an investment of €285,000 from Meta, funding of €100,000 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and a contribution of €21,000 from Meath County Council.
Substantial local fundraising has also been carried out by Dunboyne Playspace Forum, which carried out a survey in 2021 to gather views from a wide body of parents on what facilities were needed.
"We have had fantastic support from the local community and businesses and our GoFundMe page was very successful. the new facilities will be a great addition to the village and are all inclusive. We are also looking at other spaces around the village, where other playspaces could be provided."
Cllr Murphy said that for teenagers they have two sets of swings facing each other, calisthenics bars and outdoor table tennis facilities, as well as lots of seating.
Most of the playground is suitable for children with disabilities including a tampoline that can take a wheelchair.
"There will be a multi use statement piece with a theme in the toddler area and the over eights section will include a tube slide and zip wire.
"There will be wood pieces and harder frames equipment.
"The skate park will have totally new more updated equipment
Cllr Murphy said that they have met with a local landscape architect to create a natural sensory landscape for the children, with the added benefits of creating an inviting space for the community.
Dunboyne Playscape forum is currently working on a maintenance plan to see what's feasible and ties in with the great work being done by our local biodiversity group. There are also plans to create an activity trail on the new surface for added fun and inclusivity. This can't be done until all other works have been completed on site.