Plans unveiled for the south beach

PLANS and a time-line for the new South Beach Playground have been unveiled by the playground committee and Wicklow County Council.

The winning design, submitted by All Play Ireland, aims to bring magic and fun to children of all ages and abilities. Construction on the new playground is set to begin in March, with completion due in June. The ‘Name on the Wall’ fundraiser will be open through to February, with funds going towards adding a wheelchair swing into the design.

Highlights of the playground include a toddler play area with swings, spinners and balance equipment; a ball court with a basketball hoop and football goal; a sandpit with wheelchair access, pulleys and buck- ets, and a musical play area. Niamh Egan, chair of the GSBPC, said: ‘After two and a half years of fundraising, research and consultations, it is a thrill to see these plans coming to life. We are so confident that this playground will be the magic, fun and challenging place that we dreamed of when we first met all that time ago. We want to thank everyone in our community who helped by do- nating money, time and talent to the campaign.’ Cllr Jennifer Whitmore, committee member, added: ‘One of the most exciting parts of getting our final plans was being able to sit down with people in the special needs sector to ensure that as many aspects as possible were suitable for children across abilities.

Michael Nicholson, Director of Services, Community, Cultural and Social Development said: ‘We believe that this playground will be the most inclusive playground in the country and we look forward to it being enjoyed by all children in our community.’

To make a ‘Name on the Wall’ donation go to southbeachplayground.ie.