Playground joy for Lobinstown children
RESIDENTS of Lobinstown and surrounding areas came together to celebrate the opening of their new playground by local County Councillor Paddy Meade. Live entertainment and ice-cream were provided on the day to mark the special occasion.
The play park, which is located in Lobinstown village is expected to cater for children and families from a wide geographical area including the neighbouring parishes of Castletown, Rathkenny and Drumconrath as well as further afield.
Despite initial opposition from the council towards the project due to its rural location, the play facility finally got the green light in 2017 thanks to the determination and tenacious efforts of Cllr. Meade.
Speaking on the day, Cllr. Meade paid tribute to his fellow Councillors and officials at Meath County Council. He also mentioned community groups such as the Lobinstown Tidy Towns who as resident stalwarts have looked after his village and parish so well for so long.
As the red ribbon was being cut, Ann McCabe, secretary of the Lobinstown Tidy Towns committee declared “Paddy Meade Park” officially open and continued to pay tribute to the local county councillor saying, “Two years ago when Paddy set up Lobinstown Tidy Towns, we could hardly believe it when he told us he was going to have the council build us a playground as well as improving the appearance of the village by putting in new footpaths and installing features such as a wishing well and new signage.
‘He also promised to erect Christmas lights in the village and all he was looking from us was a commitment of one hour a week during the summer to do a clean up. Yet here we are now, the playground open, the signage and footpaths are in and the wishing well is nearly complete … we’ll just have to wait and see about the lights come Christmas!”
Lobinstown Playground is now open seven days a week and is suitable for children up to 12 years of age.