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NEW ‘FAIRYTALE’ PLAYGROUND OPENED AT MALLOW CASTLE
Cork Council Councilʼs ambitious plans for the future of Mallow have taken a major step forward with the opening of the eagerly anticipated childrenʼs playground at Mallow Castle Park. The new facility forms part of the first phase of the redevelopment of Mallow Castle Grounds.
This project was part funded by the Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, Darragh OʼBrien, as part of the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF). As a key activator of Project Ireland 2040 - the Governmentʼs National Planning Framework and National Development Plan the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund is driving regeneration and rejuvenation of strategic and underutilised areas within Irelandʼs five cities, key regional drivers and other large towns.
The URDF provides planning authorities with the opportunity to coordinate their planned regeneration and rejuvenation of our large towns and cities with a stream of significant tailored Exchequer capital investment which will ensure that the right project is happening in the right place at the right time.
Universal access and inclusive play principles underpinned the design which centres around a bespoke castletype structure with towers, slides, rope walks, climbing frames and a climbing wall. The facility also features sensory rich activities such as sand/water play and tree canopy exploration.
The designers and contractors incorporated best practice accessible design features within the sensitive historical landscape environment of Mallow Castle Park, retaining and protecting the natural and built heritage of the site.
The most appropriate surfacing suitable for wheelchairs and buggies was selected, using compacted gravel and bound rubber mulch surfacing which allows access to the play equipment and includes ramps to the sandpit area. Wide routes facilitate free unconstrained movement throughout with flush transitions allowing people using mobility aids to move freely. In addition, the equipment and features are placed at varying heights to accommodate children who have different reach ranges.
The fully accessible play equipment includes see-saws with supporting backrests and handles; a range of swings encompassing nest swings, junior backrest and supporting chair swings; as well as an accessible roundabout, trampoline, play panels and hideouts. There are also quiet spaces within the playground and gardens.
Accessible pathways have been constructed from the entrance through the former walled gardens to the grounds of Mallow Castle while a new entrance for both pedestrians and vehicles has been created at the northern boundary with Castlepark. A car park with space for 28 cars has also been built. Disabled and parent/child parking is available within 100m of the playground. Accessible picnic benches and seating areas have also been provided.
Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr. Gillian Coughlan said the park will captivate childrenʼs imagination with its fairytale atmosphere, “It is a really impressive amenity and offers a more stimulating and challenging environment for children that is unique to Mallow and the North Cork region. The main structure itself is quite medieval looking which is a nod to its setting in Mallow Castle. I would like to commend all involved in this project which will keep children, from near and far, far away entertained for many years.”
Further works also funded as part of the Urban Regeneration Development Fund (URDF) have recently commenced in Tip O’Neill Park. This will complement and support the existing tourism offering at Doneraile Park and Anne’s Grove House and Gardens, both of which are in proximity to Mallow.
The development was designed and overseen by Brady Shipman Martin. The construction works were completed by Vision Contracting Ltd.
A six-week pilot pedestrianisation of the main street of Mallow has also been completed. The project saw Thomas Davis Street in the town closed to traffic from 2.00pm to 7.00pm each Saturday afternoon from Saturday 25th of September until the 30th of October. Visitors and shoppers enjoyed live music and on-street performances each afternoon.
The initiative which was cofunded by Cork County Council and the National Transport Authority under the New Rural Active Travel Investment Programme, formed part of Cork County Councilʼs Project ACT (Activating County Towns) to support local businesses, retailers and the local hospitality sector. As part of the pilot project, Cork County Council, Councillors and Mallow Chamber of Commerce assessed the role-out of the pedestrianisation, its impact on the town of Mallow, businesses, traffic flow and public feedback.
Chief Executive of Cork County Council, Tim Lucey, added,“The new playground forms part of an overall plan to develop Mallow Castle Park as a key tourism destination for North Cork. It’s the first key project in the redevelopment of the existing gardens and historic landscape at Mallow Castle, as well as the main Mallow Town Park, the Spa House and Tip O’Neill Park, as high-quality public amenities and year-round visitor attractions. These amenities will complement and support the existing tourism offerings at nearby Doneraile Park and Anneʼs Grove House and Gardens.”
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