COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
MOTION NO. 11
MOTION: Councillor B. Bonner
That this Committee commends all Council staff who were involved in the development of the Fairy Wood concept in Corkagh Park and who organised the very successful launch event.
REPORT:
The Fairy Wood in Corkagh Park was launched on 2nd March 2014. This initiative was developed between South Dublin County Council and local entrepreneurs 'The Irish Fairy Door Company'. The wooded area of the park now known as 'the Fairy Wood' has fairy doors installed on trees
2,200 people turned up in wet weather to welcome the fairies to Corkagh Park.
This is a new attraction to the park, which is promoting physical activity by getting families to walk into the heart of the park approx 1km from the car parks. It also encourages children to feed their own imagination as this skill is becoming less practiced with the over use of modern technology. The fairy wood indirectly is also assisting with language skill development as parents and child engage in conversation about the magic that surrounds them.
Maps telling the story of the 12 fairies living in the wood, and their location, are available for download from the Council website.This was not a one day wonder. Each day there are groups of families visiting the wood and leaving messages and pictures on the tree for the fairies. This is how the children have responded without any prompting from Council staff, and it highlights the engagement of the community as well as the magical atmosphere surrounding this area.
Tymon park Fairy Trail is currently under construction and is expected to be ready for the Easter school break.
If the motion is passed, the sentiments expressed will be passed on to the staff involved, in Parks and in Community Services.