Dairygold Co-op donates land for community playground in Mitchelstown
The gift of land near the parish church car-park paves the way for the building of the playground, seen as a keystone objective for Mitchelstown, under its socio-economic plan.
The half-acre site is being given following discussions between Mitchelstown Community Council and Dairygold.
Former Community Council chairman Bill Power said the playground would benefit every family, especially the 1,700 children attending schools in Mitchelstown and neighbouring parishes.
Mr Power, who has stepped down as council chairman to devote time to the project, said Mitchelstown parents have until now been taking their children to playgrounds in Fermoy, Kildorrery and even as far away as Cappoquin.
“We’re aiming to have our playground completed next year, subject to receiving enough support through grants and local donations.
“Dairygold told us from the very beginning that they would support us. We asked them for a site close to the church car park.
“They have agreed to give the half-acre to us, free of charge and without any strings attached,” he said.
Mr Power said building the playground was going to be a very expensive undertaking but an exact figure will not become available until the final design is selected.
“It certainly will not cost in excess of €230,000. That sounds enormous but not when one realises the scale and quality of the equipment required for it.
“Ground works alone will cost in excess of €60,000 and that’s just to make the site level and build necessary retaining walls,” he said.
The Project Committee has prepared a 70-page plan for the playground which details the equipment to be purchased and the requirements of the site.
The playground will be disability-integrated. A small picnic area and seating will be incorporated in the design. Security lighting and CCTV cameras will also be erected.
