COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM/TEMPLEOGUE-TERENURE AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 14, 2017

MOTION NO.10

MOTION: Councillor P. Foley

"That the Ballycragh Park Playground, in its current form, is not suitable and is not being used by the age of children for which it was designed. I refer to my Area Committee Meeting Motion, from the 13th of September last, on the same subject when it was reported that the topic requires some ‘consideration and discussion’. Can the members be given an update as to where this process is? Can a plan be developed showing how this playground can be changed so that it is more age appropriate."

REPORT:

"The design for Ballycragh playground was chosen by local people including members of the local parent and toddlers group, the local residents association and Community Centre management following a public consultation process. The playground at Ballycragh is designed for use by children from toddlers up to 12 years old

It comprises mainly natural play elements including a large sand pit with boulders and logs, a rock trail and a bamboo tunnel. There are also baby swings, flat swings, an accessible basket swing suitable for multiple users and a climbing frame. All of these items are suitable for small children except the climbing frame which is designed for children aged 6+ but in practice is used by much younger children with parental supervision.

The playground is used throughout the day by small children. A conflict arises when older primary school children and secondary school children finish school and congregate at the playspace. Owing to their age they are unsupervised. They generally hang out on the swings and this can intimidate smaller children and their parents. Public Realm do not believe equipment within the playspace is the problem. These children are looking for a place to meet, and this location is close to the school, the local shop and is a focal point in their community.

In 2016 SDCC officials contacted the original consultation group to ask if we should install some equipment outside of the playground for teenagers. This would mean that they would have their own space and not interfere with equipment designed for smaller children. This proposal was rejected by the group.

However Public Realm feels that the use of public space and provision of recreational facilities are required by older teenager’s as much as younger children and / or adults. (In this regard see note on 2017 study at end of report).

At the Area Committee meeting in December 2016 it was proposed that Public Realm would continue to work with Community section on an agreed strategy to deal with this issue. This involves liaison with the local secondary school, community centre etc. in order to consult directly with the teenagers currently congregating at the play space.

SDCC are currently in contact with Firhouse Community School to consult with the older children who hang out at the playground. We would like the children to tell us why they use the playspace. We also want to know if they would prefer to use an area designed specifically for their needs. This process is ongoing and proposals will be brought to members for consideration once this process is completed.

In 2017 the Council is also commencing a study regarding the provision of facilities for teenagers in parks and open spaces in South Dublin County; including the consideration of an increased provision of Youth Cafés where appropriate within parks and open space locations. The following is proposed:

This study will include consultation and the input from the review above will inform proposals for teenagers on a county wide basis; including provision at Ballycragh. It is currently at the scoping stage."