In PICTURES: Countdown on to completion of Laois town's new playground

The much-anticipated transformation of Portarlington's Peoples Park is set to take a big leap forward with the imminent completion of the playground and other upgrade work which is part of the Laois County Council masterplan for the park. To see more pictures taken by Michael Scully for the Leinster Express / Laois Laois of the progress made tap NEXT or ARROW. To READ more about the project SEE BELOW PICTURE.

While running behind the target completion date, work has continued through the winter on the development of a new play area for children, a natural play area consisting of mounds and banks of grass to facilitate natural play, picnic benches which are wheelchair accessible as well as new walkways and paved surfaces around the seating. Bike stands, sculptures are also part of the project.

It’s hoped the new edible garden can be used to show schoolchildren and others how fruit and vegetables are grown.
The work done to date has impressed Portarlington Tidy Towns.

“We are very lucky that the park has been designed with different needs and abilities catered for...A huge amount of work has been put into the park for everyone in the community,” said the Tidy towns.

The group appealed to the community to appreciate what is being delivered.

“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,” they said.

The Group are looking forward to the official opening in the coming months.

“The Tidy Towns Committee is impressed with what will be delivered by Laois County Council,” said the group on social media.
Speaking in 2024, Laois County Council Town Regeneration Officer, Denise Rainey outlined the work earmarked for the park.

“It involves the construction of a central plaza which can be used as an events space and also an edible garden. The playground is being refurbished as part of this project and will feature new equipment and natural play features. A whole range of new park furniture including park benches, picnic tables, and bicycle stands will also be introduced into the park. A tree trail, sculptures and interpretative wildlife signage will all be new additions to the park,” she said.

Laois County Council expects work to be completed shortly.

“The Park is almost complete. Apart from the playground, it is open to the public. The playground will be finished within the next week or so but will remain closed while new grassed areas and mounds can take footfall. The planned official opening is Thursday, March 20,” he said.

The work on the park has its origins in a masterplan prepared by Green Pine Consultants by Laois County Council with input from the Portarlington Community Development Association. with input from the Portarlington Community Development Association.

Under the plan, published in 2020, the Park is getting wildflower meadows, an adventure woodland trail, a riverside meadow, a central plaza focal point, an overhauled playground as well as new access to the River Barrow.

Ann Marie Maher, Laois Sports and Leisure Officer told councillors that there was a five year timeframe to implement the masterplan's aims.

Under the plan, which has a five-year implementation target, the Park would get wildflower meadows, an adventure woodland trail, a riverside meadow, a central plaza focal point, an overhauled playground as well as new access to the River Barrow.

The project, which has a budget of €680,000, is being funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development under the Town And Village Renewal Scheme together with Laois County Council.