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 today’s 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 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.
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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, roundabout, and a huge play Odyssey tower. 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.
Wet pour safety surfacing in a variety of colours, shapes and incorporating the use of play elements also have been installed over the complete area of the playground. The scheme has been complemented by CCTV and a public lighting scheme, as well as a pedestrian crossing at the northern end of Tim Smyth Park leading to the relocated playground.
Councillor Peter Considine who presided over the opening of the original Tim Smyth Park playground during the 1980s said: “The play facilities have been provided by the Council and 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 Smyth Park.
“The importance of play and playgrounds in a child’s growth and development have been widely recognised. These facilities here cater for the youth of the town and have been an attraction for parents and children living outside of Ennis,” Councillor Considine concluded.
(GK/KMcA)
