PARKS AND GARDENS

A NEW ADVENTURE PLAY SPACE AT BLACKROCK PUBLIC PARK

January 8, 2025 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED 7 JANUARY 2025

A New Adventure Play Space in Blackrock Park

In late 2023, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council officially opened the highly anticipated adventure play space in Blackrock Park. This exciting new facility caters to a wide range of needs and abilities, offering a truly inclusive and engaging experience for all visitors.

A Natural and Captivating Play Space

One of the main highlights of the adventure playground is its unique design, which seamlessly integrates natural elements into the play area. Through careful landscaping, rolling mounds and meandering depressions have been created, weaving through the existing trees. These natural features encourage children to engage with the environment, stimulating exploration and imaginative play.

Key Features:

Giant Goose Structure: A remarkable climbing frame shaped like a goose, providing a fun and challenging experience for children of all ages.
Neurodivergent Space: A dedicated area designed to meet the specific sensory needs of neurodivergent children, offering a calming and supportive environment.
Toddler Area: A secure and enclosed space specifically for children aged 0-5, featuring age-appropriate play equipment and a sand play area with a flat surface for easy access.
Inclusive Play for All

The adventure play space has been designed with inclusivity in mind. The toddler area features a sand play feature without raised edges, ensuring accessibility for wheelchair users. Throughout the playground, natural play elements such as boulders, tree trunks, mud baths, sandpits, bamboo walks, meadows, bark mulch paths, and willow tunnels provide opportunities for sensory engagement and learning, catering to a wide range of abilities and needs. Musical instruments are also available, adding a further dimension to the multi-sensory experience.

Ongoing Park Improvements

The adventure play space is part of ongoing renovations and improvements to the 150-year-old park. These improvements include the restoration of historic steps, new seating, and extensive planting at Phoenix Terrace. With its wide range of recreational facilities, including picnic areas and now a state-of-the-art adventure play space, Blackrock Park offers something for everyone in the community.

THE PEOPLE’S PARK IN LIMERICK LOST ITS BEEBEE TREE IN 2013

November 28, 2024 by infomatique

PHOTOGRAPHED IN APRIL 2022 AND PUBLISHED IN NOVEMBER 2024

It rained almost constantly during my visit and it was especially heavy when I visited the People’s Park in Limerick City but there was an upside in that I was was the only person the park for much of the time.

The People’s Park: A Limerick Treasure

The People’s Park stands as a testament to Limerick’s history and community spirit. Originally a private park for the residents of the affluent Pery Square, it was officially opened to the public in 1877. This generous act by the Earl of Limerick was in memory of Richard Russell, a prominent local businessman.

Historical Elements:

Victorian Shelters: These ornate cast-iron structures, typical of Victorian park design, offer a charming reminder of the park’s origins, providing shelter and a place to rest for generations of visitors.
Bandstand: The Victorian bandstand, a common feature in 19th-century parks, has been a focal point for musical performances and community gatherings throughout the park’s history, echoing with the sounds of music and laughter.
Memorials: The park houses several memorials that connect visitors to Limerick’s past:
Thomas Spring Rice: A towering Doric column dedicated to the 19th-century local MP, reflecting the ambition and grandeur of Limerick’s Georgian era.
Richard Russell: A beautiful and unique fountain commemorating the man whose legacy led to the park’s public opening. This fountain is the only one of its kind in Ireland, adding a special significance to the park.

The BeeBee Tree and its Legacy:

The park was home to a much-loved tree known as the “BeeBee Tree”. This wasn’t just any tree; it was a Tetradium Danielli, a rare species that had thrived in the park for over ninety years. Its name came from the masses of small white flowers that bloomed in late summer, attracting swarms of bees. This made it a vital source of late-season nectar and a beloved sight for park visitors.

Storm Damage and Artistic Renewal:

In 2013, a severe storm caused significant damage to the park, tragically felling the BeeBee Tree and other mature specimens. However, Limerick City and County Council, in a move that blends conservation and creativity, commissioned talented chainsaw artist, Tommy Craggs, to transform the remaining tree stumps into stunning sculptures. These works of art now stand as a testament to the park’s resilience and a unique reminder of the lost trees. This approach not only salvaged something beautiful from a natural disaster but also provided a unique artistic element to the park, making it stand out from other green spaces.

Modernisation and Accessibility:

Recognising the importance of inclusivity, the park has undergone renovations to improve accessibility. The playground has been redesigned to cater to children of all abilities, with sensory areas, wheelchair-accessible swings, and a wide range of play equipment. This ensures that the People’s Park can be enjoyed by everyone in the community.

THE WELLINGTON OBELISK

November 2, 2024 by infomatique

PHOENIX PARK OCTOBER 2024

The Wellington Monument in Phoenix Park, a towering obelisk marking the Dublin skyline, stands as a somewhat ironic tribute to Arthur Wellesley, the Duke of Wellington. While intended to celebrate his victory at Waterloo and Irish roots, the project was met with lukewarm public support and beset by delays and funding issues. This lack of enthusiasm stemmed from Wellington’s waning popularity in Ireland due to his political stance against Catholic Emancipation, alongside funding difficulties and the monument’s relocation to a less central location.

Ironically, the monument is associated with two contrasting anecdotes that capture the complex relationship between Wellington and his homeland. The first, often recounted with a chuckle, involves a stable built on site to house the horse for the planned equestrian statue. When funds ran dry, leaving the stable empty, Wellington quipped, “If they cannot afford the horse, they can afford the stable.” This story, though popular in Dublin, highlights the financial woes that plagued the monument’s construction and the eventual abandonment of the statue.

Far more widely known, however, is the biting remark by Daniel O’Connell, a leading figure in the fight for Catholic Emancipation: “The poor old duke, what shall I say of him? To be sure he was born in Ireland, but being born in a stable does not make a man a horse.” O’Connell, a champion of Catholic Emancipation and a towering figure in Irish history, crafted a retort that resonated deeply with those who felt betrayed by Wellington’s political stance. This quote, deeply ingrained in Irish historical memory, underscores the complexities of Wellington’s legacy in Ireland, where admiration for his military achievements is often tempered by his political actions.

In contrast to the Dublin monument, the Wellington Monument in Trim, County Meath, enjoyed significant local support. This stemmed from Wellington’s strong personal ties to the town, where he spent his formative years and served as a member of Parliament. Funded and championed by the local community, the Trim monument, a more modest bronze statue atop a column, reflects a sense of local pride and ownership absent in the Dublin project.

The contrasting stories associated with the Dublin monument, one humorous and the other pointedly critical, offer a glimpse into the complexities of commemorating historical figures whose legacies are intertwined with political and social tensions. These contrasting narratives, alongside the differing receptions of the Dublin and Trim monuments, paint a nuanced picture of Wellington’s legacy in Ireland, one marked by both admiration and resentment.

MILL LANE PARK IN PALMERSTOWN 22 OCTOBER 2024

October 25, 2024 by infomatique

AND PALMERSTOWN FOOTBALL CLUB

MILL LANE PARK IN PALMERSTOWN [AND PALMERSTOWN FOOTBALL CLUB]

The photographs featured here are from my most recent visit to the park on Mill Lane 22 October 2024.

There is a stone obelisk or standing-stone sculpture at Mill Lane Park or Palmerstown FC and it is most likely be a recent addition, as I have not seen it before, and it appears to feature Ogham an Early Medieval alphabet used primarily to write the early Irish language. Unfortunately I cannot find any mention of this online – does anyone have any information?

My first visit to Palmerstown, earlier this year, led me on an unexpected adventure through Mill Lane. Initially, I encountered the locked gates of Palmerstown FC, which gave the impression of an exclusive or private club. However, as I continued along the lane, I discovered an open entrance within a stone wall, beckoning me to explore further.

Stepping inside and following a rustic pathway, I found myself in a spacious green area that could have easily been mistaken for a football practice ground. Was this part of the football club, or was it a public park? Luckily, a friendly local resident cleared up the confusion. This was indeed a public park, a hidden gem she often enjoyed with her dogs.

A Note of Caution: While this park is a lovely spot for a stroll, it’s important to be aware that dogs are often off-lead here. There have been some reports of dog bites, so it’s advisable to exercise caution, especially if you’re nervous around dogs.

Unravelling the Connection to Palmerstown FC:

Although the park isn’t directly affiliated with Palmerstown FC, understanding the club’s location helps to paint a clearer picture.

Palmerstown FC: This local football club is based in Palmerstown, Dublin 10.
Glenaulin Park: The club plays its home matches at Glenaulin Park, situated on Glenaulin Green. This park, managed by South Dublin County Council, boasts two football pitches and is open to the public.
Mill Lane’s Charm:

The area surrounding Mill Lane, where Palmerstown FC is located, possesses a unique charm. With its picturesque river, abundant wildlife, ancient churchyard, quaint buildings, and even the occasional sighting of roaming horses, it has an almost fairytale-like quality.

A Glimpse into the Past:

During my research, I came across an intriguing account of Mill Lane’s history:

“The Mill Lane consists of several houses, and the ruins of four mills, which show, that, at one time the Mill Lane was a busy centre of industry. A few years ago, there was an ‘Ink Factory’ established there. In this factory, there are about twenty men employed making ink. At one time the Mill Lane must have been large. It was there the old Catholic School was, and it is said there was also a Protestant School. The very ancient church now in ruins is still to be seen in the old graveyard.”

While I couldn’t find concrete evidence of the ink factory, I did discover a fascinating discussion about early schools in Mill Lane in a historical document from South Dublin Libraries (https://source.southdublinlibraries.ie/bitstream/10599/12263/4/AncientPlacePDF.pdf).

This document reveals that the earliest known school in Palmerstown was a Female School located in Mill Lane and marked on an 1816 map. It delves into the challenges of funding such schools and highlights the role of local landlords, particularly the Earls of Donoughmore, in supporting education. It also mentions the presence of two Free Schools in Mill Lane by 1821, offering education to both boys and girls.

In Conclusion:

Mill Lane Park is a delightful, albeit somewhat hidden, green space in Palmerstown. While its connection to Palmerstown FC might initially seem confusing, it’s a separate public park offering a peaceful retreat amidst the remnants of a historically rich and industrious area.

TILTING AT WINDMILLS NO MORE THE CURIOUS CASE OF FATHER COLLINS PARK

October 23, 2024 by infomatique

YES THE WINDMILLS ARE NO LONGER OPERATIONAL

My October 2024 visit to Father Collins Park in Clongriffin revealed a curious sight: the park’s iconic wind turbines, once symbols of sustainability and innovation, stood motionless, their blades conspicuously absent. This seemingly quixotic scene, reminiscent of Don Quixote’s famous battle against windmills, begs the question: what led to the decommissioning of these prominent features?

While initially it may have seemed like a case of “attacking imaginary enemies” – trying to generate significant power from wind in a potentially less-than-ideal urban setting – the windmills were a bold statement of intent when the park opened in 2009. However, recent reports have shed light on their demise, revealing that the turbines, installed in 2010 at a cost of €1.15 million, were simply “past their useful work life.”

The windmills in Father Collins Park have indeed been decommissioned, but not due to typical maintenance reasons. News reports from December 2023 indicate that the five wind turbines, installed in 2010 at a cost of €1.15 million, were “past their useful work life” and scheduled for removal in the new year.

This is somewhat surprising considering their relatively short lifespan, but it seems they weren’t operating as efficiently as intended. A 2010 report revealed that the turbines, meant to power the park’s lighting, pumps, and fountains, were only supplying about a quarter of the park’s electricity needs.

Father Collins Park: A Sustainable Legacy in Evolution

Despite this setback, Father Collins Park remains a significant landmark in Clongriffin and a testament to sustainable design. Opened in 2009 after a €20 million redevelopment, it was hailed as Ireland’s first “self-sustaining city park.” Named after Father Joe Collins, a local priest who championed its creation, the park was designed to showcase eco-friendly features like:

Wind turbines (now decommissioned): Originally intended to provide renewable energy.
Solar panels: Harnessing solar power for park operations.
Rainwater harvesting: Conserving water resources.
A large lake and wetlands: Promoting biodiversity and natural water filtration.
Clongriffin’s Ongoing Transformation

The park has become a vital amenity for the rapidly growing community of Clongriffin. In recent years, the area has witnessed a significant increase in population and development, with new housing estates, a Dart station, shopping centres, and schools transforming the once rural landscape.

Father Collins Park provides a green oasis amidst this urban expansion, offering:

Playgrounds for children
Sports pitches (GAA, soccer)
A skate park for teens and young adults
A 1.5km circuit track for walking and cycling
An outdoor amphitheatre for community events
The decommissioning of the wind turbines provides an opportunity for Dublin City Council to re-evaluate the park’s sustainability strategy and explore new technologies or energy-efficient solutions to maintain its eco-friendly commitment.