Work to begin on new playground at Hanover Park next month

WORK ON a new playground at Hanover Park, Carlow to include a trampoline, zipline, wood castle and giant sand pit, is expected to begin next month.

Plans for the playground were announced at the recent meeting of Carlow Municipal District, with members largely welcoming the plans to further enhance the town-centre park. However, cllr Paul Doogue expressed concern about one element of the new playground – the sand pit – warning it could potentially become “a huge cat-litter tray” if not properly maintained.

“I have huge concerns about the sand pit. I accept sand pits are regarded as good for sensory play and all that, but if it is not maintained it will just become a giant cat-litter tray and collect other undesirable things.

“It will need to be covered, sealed at night, raked, sand replaced annually and someone there 24/7. You could find anything or everything in there, needles, people urinating into it … anything,” cllr Doogue warned.

Town engineer Cian Madden confirmed that the contract for Hanover Park playground had been awarded, with work to begin “in late July or early August”.

Other features of the playground include a timber swing frame, universal carousel, agility trail, communication board and signs, musical panel and natural play boulders.

Mayor of Carlow cllr Fintan Phelan welcomed this further enhancement of Hanover Park and noted the large number of people now using the park. Cllr Andrea Dalton agreed, describing it as “a joy for the soul” to see so many people out using the park and its basketball court.

In response to cllr Doogue’s concerns, Mr Madden remarked that “it isn’t the first sand pit”, adding that they are installed “all over the country”. He said that he didn’t believe the possibility of bad behaviour by some should be a reason to deny what is a very welcome element of play.

“We will be going ahead with the plans as specified,” said Mr Madden.