The Greystones South Beach (GSB) Playground Committee and Wicklow County Council (WCC) today announce that the contract for the new, fully inclusive playground has gone to tender, at a value of €250,000. This brings the town one step closer to its new playground, after more than a year of fundraising by GSB Playground Committee, and funding from WCC. Construction is aimed to commence before the end of the year, pending contracts and construction schedules.
From the start, the Committee has envisioned a playground that is inclusive for all children, where they can meet, play, interact and have fun. With this philosophy at the core, the tender states that the winning design “should include equipment that offers play opportunities to children with an array of additional needs. For example, children on the Autism Spectrum, children with mobility issues who require the use of wheelchair or other mobility aids, hearing and visually impairment children and children with motor coordination difficulties such as Developmental Coordination Disorder/Dyspraxia.”
Welcoming the news, Niamh Egan, Chair of the GSB Committee commented, “This is an important milestone for us, a significant step on the journey to making our playground a reality. Over the last year, we have held several public consultations on design concepts, and we have ensured that the tender reflected the ideas, wishes and needs of our community.”
Cllr Jennifer Whitmore, Committee member, remarked, “This work could not be done without the strong partnership of the WCC, the Playground Committee and the community. Particular thanks must go to our main donor, whose generous contribution has made this possible. It has been a true collaboration, and one that will benefit all of our children.”
Michael Nicholson, Director of Services Community, Cultural & Social Development of WCC said, “This new playground will be a fabulous addition to the town, and to County Wicklow. We are anxious to get the work underway and start transforming the current South Beach Playground into one that every child can enjoy.”
Although the fundraising target of €100,000 was hit earlier this year, there is still an opportunity to show your support and get your “Name on the Wall”. The campaign will close at the end of June.
For more information about the South Beach Playground, and to get your name on the wall, visit www.southbeachplayground.ie.
