How the Cork Healthy Cities scheme pulled everyone together to alter the way we live, work, and play

Through initiatives such as Green Spaces for Health and the Playful Culture Trail, Cork has forged ahead in the World Health Organization's Healthy Cities movement to take its place among 100 flagship cities across 30 countries, writes Eoin English

Damien Harrington, Patrick Cronin and Leah Bresnan of Blackrock and Douglas leading the effort at the Tug of War at the Healthy Cities’ “Road Open For Play” initiative at the Marina, Blackrock, in 2019. Picture: Michael O'Sullivan

It’s not often that children get to make a detailed submission that will shape how their city develops over the next decade, or get the chance to take over streets for play in a project which paves the way for the pedestrianisation of an historic riverside promenade.

Or that they’re helping to reclaim underused public spaces for community gardens which have helped to foster strong, resilient communities, and are encouraging older people — some of whom live alone — to work alongside them and share their knowledge.