A new nature-based play and learning space will be developed at John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road, Ennis after Clare County Council won a bid as a pilot location for new government funding.
The €100,000 funding, confirmed this morning by local Minister Timmy Dooley TD (FF), will support the creation of a high-quality outdoor play environment designed to encourage children to connect with nature while promoting physical activity, learning and wellbeing.
Minister Dooley said the project represents an important investment in children’s development and in one of Clare’s most popular community amenities.
“Lees Road is already a fantastic resource for families across Clare and this funding will allow Clare County Council to create an exciting new play and learning space that encourages children to explore, learn and play in a natural environment”, the Mountshannon native stated.
“Outdoor play is hugely important for children’s physical health, confidence, creativity and social development. It is particularly welcome that this project has been designed around children’s needs and will be fully accessible to all children, including those with disabilities”, the TD continued.
The new facility will include a range of natural play features such as earthen mounds, timber bridges, balancing logs, climbing structures, slides integrated into the landscape and natural tunnels, providing opportunities for imaginative and self-directed play.
It will also incorporate biodiversity features including wildflower planting, native trees, insect hotels and habitat areas, helping children to engage with and learn about the natural environment.
A dedicated outdoor learning circle with log seating will provide space for storytelling, school activities, community workshops and outdoor education programmes.
Minister Dooley congratulated Clare County Council on securing the funding through what was a competitive national process.
“This is a significant achievement for Clare County Council. Nine local authorities submitted applications and Clare’s proposal was one of the two highest-scoring projects selected nationally. It is a strong endorsement of the vision for this facility and the positive impact it will have for local children and families”, he outlined.
The funding is part of a new Government pilot initiative aimed at developing high-quality, inclusive nature-based play environments for children and young people.
