POPPINTREE Park has been declared Best Public Park at
the Local Authority Members Association (LAMA) 2012 Awards.
The prestigious award for the park – which caters for
a huge array of sports including GAA, soccer, tag-rugby, walking, running,
cycling and adventure sports – was presented at a special ceremony hosted
recently in Dublin city centre by Miriam O’Callaghan.
The park is managed by Dublin City Council and it
provides locals in Ballymun, Glasnevin north and Finglas east with a safe,
enjoyable outdoor space for recreational activities.
Phase One of park’s re-development was opened to the
public in 2010 and comprises 7.5 hectares out of 18.5 hectares. Phase 2, when
it receives funding, will complete the park’s refurbishment with upgrading of
existing sports pitches and the construction of a new depot and changing rooms.
Landscape architect with Ballymun Regeneration Ltd
(BRL), Dorothea Burger, described Poppintree Park as a
“safe, high quality
regional park.
?
“It’s a destination for positive community activities
and not just a through shortcut,
? she continued.
“We provided a new playground for 3-16-year-olds that
serves a wide area of north west Dublin and provides a high level of inclusion
and accessibility for children of all ages, abilities and backgrounds.
?
The park includes water features and attenuation
facilities that help reduce local flooding. The introduction of wildflower
meadows, native hedging and tree planting along with a pond and wetland area
has helped increase biodiversity in the park.
A native tree trail was put in place by council staff
and the park’s main avenue acts as an
‘organising axis’.
“It’s easy to follow, promoting greater use and
security as well as providing enjoyment for all users and bringing nature to
residents,
? explained Ms Burger.
A recent ecological survey of the park’s water feature
showed that it has attracted frogs, 27 species of birds and four species of
bats, including some designated under the EU Habitats Directive.
A boardwalk allows users to walk through the wetland
area and see a wide range of wildlife in their natural habitat.