SUBMISSION FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
BALLINCLEA PARK

This central, safe and overlooked Open Space is comprised of a flat area (85m x 40m) flanked on three sides by an embankment which has a strip of flat ground above it while the remainder follows the slope of the hill.

We believe that this terrain naturally lends itself to the provision of a variety of ball games on the flat surface which would benefit from the embankment acting as a viewing gallery and a buffer against noise and nuisance.

We propose the installation of a path around the perimeter and flat area of the park. Along this circuitous route we want to position a variety of recreational facilities which will attract and challenge children of all ages and the young at heart. These should include the Labyrinth (installed 2003), an embankment slide, an obstacle course, exercise points, fun hoop-ball and a garden.

Landscaping should compliment the 75+ deciduous trees which adorn the North and East perimeter. We feel that the 15 overgrown Leylandii trees should be removed as they may be dangerous, are blocking both view and light and are crowding out some beautiful trees. Ideally they should be replaced with attractive and manageable trees such as Mountain Ash. We want to enhance the area through the introduction of a planting regime with the emphasis on colour, scent and berries to the benefit of the community and wildlife. A more appropriate and stylish entrance needs to be considered.

This project presents an exciting opportunity to foster an interest in Art in the form of sculpture, landscape art, exhibitions as well as cultural events. With the cooperation of DLRCoCo and potential input from The Institute of Art & Design we could achieve an innovative outlet for many talents.

Recycling is a crucial responsibility for every community. We plan to add to the Coillte compost box already installed this year so that we can cope with all surplus garden material in the area.

A Park Fund has been set up which has highlighted a tremendous fund of goodwill and which will enable this project to be achieved on a phased basis over a number of years with the expert guidance of the Parks and the Culture, Community Development & Amenities Departments.

BALLINCLEA HEIGHTS COMMUNITY

The community of Ballinclea Heights consists of 200 families with a large contingent of children of all ages.

Ballinclea Heights Residents Association (BHRA) have campaigned for many years to establish a unique recreational park in this Open Space in the centre of our estate.

BHRA want to achieve this objective with the advice and established expertise of DLRCoCo Parks Department & Culture, Community Development and Amenities Department. We are confidant of the continued backing of all Councillors.

BHRA has the full backing of all residents who are contributing to a Fund for the development of this community project which we hope to achieve on a phased basis.

We have made an imprint on this Open Space in many innovative ways:

• A seven circuit Labyrinth was constructed in 2003. This consists of a circuitous path over 100 metres. It is an ancient design representing life’s journey. This project was grant aided by DLRCoCo.
• A large scale replica of the Millennium 2000 logo was established in October 2000 using daffodil bulbs which gives a beautiful display every Spring. This received a Millennium Grant.
• An organic compost box was put in place in February 2004. It was supplied by Coillte and made of native treated timber. It has already accommodated much organic waste which would have gone to landfill. We are currently arranging the installation of an additional three composters.
• In the past we have planted trees, repaired boundary wall and fence & filled in sink holes.
• Each year we have organised Sport’s Days and Fun Days on this Open Space.
• Two sets of goalposts have been donated.

BHRA AIMS FOR BALLINCLEA PARK

1. To provide play and recreation amenities to encourage children to socialise.
2. To encourage the flourishing of the individual as well as their community spirit through the provision of interesting and challenging activities.
3. To enhance social cohesion within the immediate and wider neighbourhoods through community games and events.
4. To stimulate a broader interest in sport, recreation, art and culture.
5. To encourage a healthier lifestyle for all age groups.
6. To provide easy access for all to the park and it’s amenities.
7. To accommodate all organic garden waste for recycling within the park or back to residents.
8. To implement a litter/recycling regime which would ensure a clean environment.
9. To achieve planting and landscaping which would raise the community spirit with beautiful flowers, colours, scents and berries throughout the seasons.
10. To encourage bird and wildlife by the provision of a natural food source
11. To provide a venue for all community events such as: Sport’s Days, Festivals, Fun Days, Art Exhibitions and Competitions which would provide an outlet for the many talents within our community.
12. To foster an interest in art among residents and neighbours with the introduction of sculpture and landscape art.
13. To provide interesting and challenging outlets for teenagers as an alternative to abusive and antisocial behaviour.

Ballinclea Park - Perspective drawing by Marcus Donnelly 2004
 

FACILITIES & AMENITIES FOR BALLINCLEA PARK

1. Younger Children
• slide ( down embankment )
• playground with soft areas
• nature garden
• obstacle course
• labyrinth
   
2. Older Children
• football pitch (junior 55mx40m)
• tennis court (78ftx36ft )
• volleyball court (18mx9m)
• French boules
• basketball court (84ft.x50ft.)
• BMX. track
• running track
• rounders / baseball
• table tennis
• exercise stations (trim trail)
   
3. Arts & Culture (in co-operation with the College of Art & Design)
• sculptures
• landscape art
• exhibition area
• chessboard
• seating
   
4. Environmental Awareness
• international garden with flora from all nations
• litter disposal with signage and bins
• composting programme using Coillte prototype
   
5. Boundary Treatment
• sections of hedgerow to be included to provide habitat for nesting birds
• existing evergreen trees removed - new planting introduced with a variety of species
• definition of access and crossing points with traffic calming measures
• walking path
   

IMPORTANCE OF PLAY & RECREATION FOR CHILDREN IN THE COMMUNITY

Article 31 U.N. Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989

"Recognise the right of the child to rest and leisure, to engage in play and recreational activities appropriate to the age of the child and to participate freely in cultural life and the arts”

The National Children’s Strategy November 2000

“The National Children’s Strategy recognises the importance of, and the need to provide play opportunities for children. Concern is expressed at the decreasing amount of participation by children in vigorous physical exercise ……. Children will have access to play, sport, recreation and cultural activities to enrich their experience of childhood ……… at local level”

The National Play and Recreation Plan

“The policy is expected to require plans to be developed at local level to ensure that every child can have access to decent playgrounds, sports fields and other facilities. …….commitment to set up a dedicated fund ……. partnership between local, statutory, voluntary and community interests, working with family and children”

DLRCoCo Draft Play Policy February 2003

• “There is a clear and compelling responsibility on DLRCoCo to plan and provide for children’s play in a much more robust way than it has done heretofore.
• Public open space must be provided throughout residential areas in a way which will encourage use and enhance the visual quality of the area. Provision must be made for safe children’s play …… on overlooked, flat areas.
• Council - in partnership with …. community interests should be more creative in arranging for play areas”

DLRCoCo Development Plan 2004/2010

• “to provide or facilitate the provision of accessible facilities/services through a community development process that is responsive to the identified needs of the local community ….. including recreational amenities and sporting facilities.
• It is Council policy to support the DLR County Development Board’s Integrated Strategy in relation to amenity, the arts, ……and sports, recreation and leisure….. “

DLR County Development Board 2002/2012

• “it is our goal to have a society which facilitates the flourishing of the individual at all stages of life; to encourage maximum use of existing and future sports, recreation & leisure facilities.
• One of the core objectives of local government reform is to maximise the involvement and participation of local communities -----
• There is potential for sports, recreation & leisure activities to form the basis for greater and deeper social interaction fostering healthier citizens & social interaction”