A county Limerick community has an impressive new space to enjoy outdoor activities and hold social events.
Feenagh Community Park provides an accessible social space for members of the community to meet each other, for visitors to Feenagh village to enjoy as well as a focal point for the community to come together for events. The Park has also created a safe place for community members to exercise and an outdoor space where people can be in nature, to relax and contemplate.
The Feenagh Community Park project was part funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the 2020 Town and Village Renewal Scheme, which aims to enhance rural towns and villages through the provision of local recreational amenities. The 2020 Scheme had a particular focus on projects that could respond to the new challenges associated with COVID-19 and support the social recovery of rural towns and villages.
The Feenagh Community Park project was developed by the Board and directors of Corran-Deel Voluntary Housing Association with a subcommittee in place to oversee the park project, supported by Limerick City and County Council. Members of the Community along with a number of local stakeholders provided encouragement as well as sponsorship and donations that allowed for the project to be delivered.
The Community Park was created on a 2-acre site in Feenagh village adjacent to the Community Centre. It includes walkways with public lighting throughout the park, a contemplation area and a space for holding outdoor events as well as tree planting, which include an area of apple trees.
Other spaces within the park have also been identified for future planting and development such as for a sensory and butterfly garden, a bird feeding area and bug hotel. Car parking facilities were provided as part of the project and the Active Travel Team of Limerick City and County Council recently installed bike parking provided for with funding from the National Transport Authority.
Mayor of the City and County of Limerick, Cllr Francis Foley said:
“As we develop our towns and villages it is so important that we remember to make room for nature and to create spaces where people can enjoy the outdoors. Projects like Feenagh Community Park do not materialise out of fresh air. They require people to have vision and determination to see that vision become a reality. Limerick City and County Council are always willing to support this type of community initiative. I want to congratulate everyone involved in delivering this wonderful amenity that can be enjoyed by locals and visitors to Feenagh.”
