Millennium Park Playground, Youghal is set to re-open following an €85,000 redevelopment programme.  Works on the state of the art community facility will get underway immediately and will be undertaken by Down-based contractor ‘Play and Leisure Services Ltd’.  The entire project will be completed mid-July and will cater for children aged 12 years and under.

2008 saw the facility close, following its failure to sufficiently meet safety standards after an inspection by RoSPA; the agency dedicated to promoting safety and the prevention of accidents in leisure facilities in Ireland.

Earlier this year however, RAPID secured funding of €66,000 under the “playground scheme” to redevelop the play area.   Youghal Town Council made up the balance and consequently Youghal is now set for a first class recreational facility for children.
Liam Ryan, Town Clerk pointed to the fact that Millennium Park is in fact just one of three recreational facilities in the town and spoke of the significance of securing funding in such difficult economic times for the project.   “I am delighted that at a time when other projects all around the country are being halted we here in Youghal managed to secure funding for this facility.  We look forward to seeing the smiles of children in Youghal in their new play area.”

Speaking about the project, RAPID co-ordinator Jennifer Ring stated: “We are thrilled to be in a position to announce plans for the redevelopment of Millennium Park. We will now have one of the finest play facilities in the country here in Youghal.  The benefits of such play facilities are huge – children can practice and develop their skills, it’s a point at which children can meet and socialise but most importantly this play equipment is something that is really valued by children”.

The facility will have top of the range equipment, and the new ‘coloured wet pouring surfacing’ will be durable but also visually impactful.  Equipment will include a wide range of climbing units; designed to truly challenge older children, the ‘Whizzer’; used by one or two children simultaneously, to slow down or spin faster and ‘Springers’ for younger children.  The facility will also host a number of high swings with flat and cradle seats, interactive play panels, telescope tightrope walk, hanging bubbles with noises.  Traditional games such as ‘hopscotch’, compass, number games will also be available.  Cork County Council has donated a ‘Birds Nest Swing’ and ‘Seesaw’ to the facility.

The contractor ‘Play and Leisure Services Ltd’ have extensive experience in completing similar projects country-wide including Cork-based projects in Mangerton Close, The Glen, Meelick Park, Ballyvolane, and Pophams Park, Faranree.  A 21 year structural guarantee is provided by the contractor.