Have your say on the proposed community park and playground for Johnstown

Long-awaited plans for a community park and playground facility to serve the Johnstown area have finally gone on public display.

The Johnstown community has been crying out for facilities for more than two decades with a four acres site beside the Dunville estate long since earmarked to develop community amenities but progress has been frustratingly slow.

In January, plans for the community lands were finally unveiled to councillors by Meath County Council and these plans are now on public display and out for public consultation, allowing the community to make submissions what is being proposed.

The plan includes a building with a cafe, public toilets and outdoor seating which will be a focal point in the park.

There will be a flexible space for active recreation and small events and a large open lawn with natural planting area and integrated play spaces. The proposal includes play spaces, a sensory garden and five-aside 3g pitch along with a 3v3 basketball court and teen hang out area.

A link path through the park to the school boundary will also be provided.

The proposed Kiosk pavilion is envisioned as a focal point within the park. Located at the northern boundary of the site it's position, creates visibility from the main pedestrian entrance, roadway and the park's carpark.

The plans can be viewed at the planning office at Meath County Council, Buvinda House, or online at https://planning.localgov.ie. Submissions can be made up to 15th June, through the eplanning portal under reference PT8/MH317 or in writing to the planning department.

While news that Johnstown will finally get its long promised community facility was welcomed, there was disappointment among councillors when the plans were unveiled in January, that a community centre would not form part of the plans.

Councillors were told that a community centre was part of planning granted on lands at Farganstown with the intention that Meath County Council would take ownership on its completion and hand that over to a management company that would run that on behalf of Meath County Council. It was also outlined that Mrs Butterly's House in Old Johnstown which forms part of the Johnstown Public Realm works, would be available to the community.