In April 2006 the residents of Ballinclea Heights endorsed the installation of a proposed All Weather Court, by an overwhelming majority, at the BHRA Annual General Meeting. Subsequently a letter was sent to the Parks Department of DLRCoCo. The letter has been copied to local TDs and all Councillors. A copy of the letter is available on the web.

In July 2004 BHRA submitted a Development Proposal to DLRCoCo for the establishment of a wide range of recreational facilities at Ballinclea Park.
 

Councillors attend a tree planting ceremony on Sports Day in Ballinclea Park.
Photo: John Kane

Development Proposal for Ballinclea Heights Browse (300kb html); Print (870kb pdf) Artist's impression of proposed entrance to Ballinclea Park Click on picture for larger version.

The next step is to widely discuss the ideas set out in the proposal and determine implementation options.

The following paragraphs provide additional information about the Park.

In 2003 a seven circuit labyrinth was constructed in the Park by BHRA. The location for the labyrinth is appropriate as it is almost overlooked by the statue of Daedalus, the creator in legend of the labyrinth. The statue of Daedalus is located a few hundred metres away, inside the gate to Killiney Hill. Further details are available on the Association's Killiney Labyrinth page.

Apart from Ballinclea Park, there is a dearth of public recreational facilities in the area that are suitable for children. The Park is the only accessible, flat, safe, overlooked piece of ground where structured recreation can be arranged and in which children can play in safety.

Since the 1960s this space has been extensively used for social and recreational purposes by the community. It is a crucial element in the social fabric of the area.

Until recently an enclosed reservoir was located where Ballinclea Park is today. This provided an elevated play area that was extensively used as a recreation area by local children. However, there was limited potential to develop the facilities because of constraints imposed by the reservoir located a few metres below the surface.

In 1998 the reservoir was demolished. This lowered the surface and greatly added to the recreational potential of the Park.

Over the years our community has invested time and money in the upkeep and enhancement of this space by the planting of trees and flowers, and by repairs to the perimeter fences and wall. A Millennium Grant of IR3,750 was awarded by Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council for the planting of a large scale logo which provides a beautiful showing every Spring. In 2004 a grant of €800 was awarded by DLRCoCo for the Labyrinth project.

BHRA looks forward with great enthusiasm to making a major contribution to the resources required to maximise the value of the Park to local communities.