COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 14, 2011

MOTION NO. 3

MOTION: Councillor C. Jones

MAYOR'S BUSINESS (3)

That this Council recognises the significance of bringing thousands of citizens into our parks through successful events such as the summer National Play Day event and the recent Spooky Walk event and wishing to build on that success this Council looks forward to the possibility of an inclusive Christmas event in our parks this year.

REPORT:

National Play Day was organised by the Community Services Department in conjunction with the Parks Department and  took place in Corkagh Park on 3rd July 2011. The event was attended by an estimated 5,000 people. The day was based on a wide range of play options open to children, featuring in particular many of the more traditional games and activities. Practically all of the activities allowed for parents to get involved and reminded many people that entertaining their children can be simple, inexpensive and a lot of fun. It also highlighted the magnificent natural resources and facilities that are available all year round in the Council's parks.

The "Spooky Walk" took place on Saturday 29th October, also in Corkagh Park, and was a Halloween- themed event which encouraged people of all ages but particularly children, to come along dressed  up and ready to experience the Spooky Walk. An estimated 8,000 people turmed up for the event on the day.

The feedback received for both the National Play Day and the Spooky Walk was hugely complimentary and positive and seems to have struck a chord with parents and children alike across the county. The level of organisation involved in staging events such as these is considerable and very labour-intensive. There are also significant crowd control and traffic management issues emerging associated with the very large numbers of people now attending the events. 

A Christmas event was held in 2010 which was arranged by the Parks Section with assistance from the Community and Corporate Services Departments. Preliminary work has begun in relation to the feasibility of running a Christmas event this year and exploring all of the options for such an event including the private sector opportunity and having regard to the issues outlined above.