Louth County Council are upgrading playgrounds across the county with a focus on providing imaginative, inclusive play for children of all ages and abilities.
Refurbishment works are underway in parks in Dundalk, Drogheda, and Ardee. The construction of a new playground is also advancing in Termonfeckin, which will be a first for the village.
Works have just been completed at the playground in Moneymore, Drogheda, with a new rubber crumb surface installed around the play equipment. The investment has improved accessibility and the overall play experience for children and their families.
The local authority recently appointed Garden Escapes Ltd for a dedicated project at the popular St Dominic’s playground. This will include the supply and installation of a range of new equipment including: a wheelchair accessible swing, a wheelchair accessible inclusive 8-person group seesaw, wheelchair accessible inclusive in-ground trampoline, a rowing boat, an accessible inclusive seesaw and multi-play unit, a sit-in spring rocker, and various educational sensory play panels.
The public playground in Ardee has benefitted from refurbishment, with works including: replacement of the existing damaged/ unsuitable safety surface; supply and installation of inclusive equipment such as wheelchair accessible inclusive in-ground trampoline; wheelchair accessible inclusive 8‐person group seesaw; various sensory play panel, castle playhouse with two bench seats; Robinia timber balance beam and Robinia timber Burma rope bridge.
The project also incorporates the supply and installation of a concrete edging kerb to the perimeter of safety surfacing area, along with the cleaning and repainting/staining of the existing play units; and the supply and installation of a single self-closing pedestrian gate, with a new footpath to connect the existing footpath.
The improvement works at the playground in Ardee will add more play value for children and young people by providing safe playing space and equipment for different age groups and improve accessibility.
In Dundalk, work is underway on the playground at St. Helena’s Park, a project that is designed to offer a wide range of imaginative, dynamic, and challenging play experiences.
The centrepiece of the playground is the impressive senior Kanope tower unit, featuring a large slide, wavy slide, various climbing structures, sensory play elements, and a remarkable central rope net climbing matrix that extends from ground level to the top of the tower. This area is tailored for older children seeking adventurous and engaging play.
For younger children, the toddler zone includes the delightful Diabolo baby play unit, designed for toddlers aged 6 months to 3 years. This area offers low-level, accessible activities, and age-appropriate sensory experiences. Features include wheelchair-accessible ground-level trampolines, a double wheelchair-accessible seesaw, an accessible spring rocker, and dedicated sensory zones for musical and visual play.
The playground’s safety surface is crafted from resin-bound rubber mulch, which mimics the natural appearance of bark while eliminating the maintenance challenges associated with traditional loose-fill surfaces. The park boasts an unparalleled array of fully wheelchair-accessible equipment, ground-level sensory play activities, and other features that ensure easy access for all children, including those who use wheelchairs.
Families and children will be invited to explore and enjoy this vibrant new facility when it is complete in October.
Refurbishments works in Drogheda, Dundalk and Ardee playparks are being funded by the Community Recognition Fund at the Department of Community & Rural Development.
Construction of the first ever playground in Termonfeckin, Co. Louth is also nearing completion. The playground is located on a site adjacent to Scoil Naomh Feichín. This project is being part-funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development through the Town and Village Renewal Scheme, with matched funding from Louth County Council.
David Jones, Director of Service, Placemaking and Physical Development at Louth County Council said: “We are delighted to see improvement works underway on a range of parks in Louth. These projects represent Louth County Council’s commitment to providing inclusive and engaging recreational spaces for all members of the community.”
Ardee playground
Moneymore playground
St.Helena park
