Laois praise for revamped Peoples Park beside River Barrow in Portarlington

First photos have been revealed of the radically redesigned Portarlington Public Park in Laois. 

Laois County Council CEO Michael Rainey praised the work done to date, at the January 27 monthly council meeting.

"I congratulate Annemarie Maher (council sports officer). These are great pictures of the people's park in Portarlington. Congratulations to all involved," the recently appointed CEO said.

Recent severe weather including Storm Éowyn has delayed the completion of the park by a month.

The council's monthly report says that a new central plaza and an edible garden were expected to be complete by the end of January, with refurbishment of the playground and signage work yet to be done. They said an official opening was expected in mid February.

However local Cllr Aidan Mullins from the town gave a later date in a local update this week.  

"Works have not yet been completed to the Playground section of the Park, but it is expected that this facility will be completed and open to the public in mid March. In the meantime the public are being asked not to enter the Playground or climb on the equipment," Cllr Mullins said.

Portarlington Tidy Towns has urged the community to respect the new facilities.

"Fantastic news the park will be completed in the next week. We are very lucky that the park has been designed with different needs and abilities catered for. As you can see there is a fantastic play centre for young children. A natural play area consisting of mounds and banks of grass to facilitate natural play of rolling and climbing.

"Wheelchair accessible picnic benches and roundabout. A huge amount of work has been put into the park for everyone in the community. Seated areas for teenagers, multiple benches throughout the park. For all to enjoy an edible garden with different sensory plants and paths. A detailed tree trail with information and an orienteering route being established. A batong pitch will also be placed in the development.

"The only thing we ask as a community is that people respect the new park. The park is for the community and we ask all to put the message across be respectful and enjoy this fabulous new development and facilities. Official opening will be mid March to allow the turf mounds to seed. We will keep you all updated and thank all involved in this project," the volunteer group announced.