New public playground officially opens in Southill

New Southill play space was officially opened by Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery and other community representatives. Picture: Keith Wiseman

New Southill play space and associated landscape officially opens as a “shining example” of when a “community’s voice is truly heard”

An exciting new amenity for Southill on Thursday was officially opened on Thursday, July 10, which boasts a playground and its beautifully landscaped surroundings.

Launched by Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery, the Play Space is a celebration of community spirit, creativity, and connection, designed to bring joy to families and children for generations to come.

From the outset, the Regeneration, Sports & Recreation Directorate at Limerick City and County Council, was committed to creating a vibrant and inclusive amenity for all residents. The project has delivered a natural play space, a designated small children’s play area, gathering spaces and a high-quality landscaped area in the heart of the community.

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Funding for the play space came from the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage, under the Limerick Regeneration Framework Implementation Plan.

Feeney McMahon Architects led the Integrated Design Team for this project, which included extensive community and stakeholder engagement. The consultation with key stakeholders was undertaken in a collaborative manner, resulting in the provision of much-needed community infrastructure in a location that complemented the compact provision of services within Southill.

Limerick-based company, McSweeney Sports Surfaces, constructed the Play Space, which includes log fencing and natural play logs sourced from Curraghchase Forest Park in County Limerick.

The Council would like to acknowledge the tremendous contribution made by the Southill Hub, Southill Residents Association & Tidy Towns Committee, Southill Family Resource Centre, Tait House Community Enterprise and Southill After Schools Club in providing funding and manpower to complete the planting of the raised flower beds in preparation for the opening.

Fr. John Walsh, Parish Priest of Our Holy Family Church, Southill was also in attendance to bless the area

Southill Play Space is one of several key planned sports and recreation facilities for the area. Initial design has commenced on a planned Multi Use Games Area.

Príomh Chomhairleoir, Cllr Catherine Slattery said, “The Southill Play Space is a shining example of what can be achieved when a community’s voice is truly heard. This vibrant new amenity reflects the pride, creativity, and spirit of Southill, and I’m delighted to see it open for families and children to enjoy for generations to come.”  
   
Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr. Pat Daly, added, “Limerick City and County Council is delighted to deliver this amenity for the community. This complements our current and future housing in the area, and it is vital to sustaining a community into the future. We look forward to seeing the local children getting great enjoyment from this space”.

Welcoming the new facility, Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, commented, “This project is a testament to what we can achieve when we put people and place at the heart of planning,” before congratulating everyone who “delivered this Play Space so quickly for all”.