Locals give playground a facelift

MEMBERS of a local group showed true community spirit recently when they came together to rejuvenate a vandalised playground in their area.

The Darndale Belcamp Playground Project contingent painted the playground equipment in Darndale Park, and weeded, swept and tidied the area for the kids. They also removed the damaged and dangerous parts of the equipment, making it safe for children to use again. The paint was donated by Crown Paints on the Malahide Road.

The group was set up by local residents who arranged a meeting through Facebook and agreed to come together to clean up the playground.

The first stage of the work was carried out over a four-day period from June 13-16.

Parents and children from the community got involved and so far the project has been a success and is gaining a lot of attention from some local organisations.

Nicko Murphy, Public Relations Officer for the Darndale Belcamp Village Centre, said that while the project’s success and the public appreciation is a small victory for the group, there was still a lot of work to be carried out to complete the job.

“The help of the local community and organisations plays an important role at this stage,

? he stated.

“The next step for the group is to raise funds for the replacement of some of the equipment that has been damaged beyond repair.

“Dublin City Council have also agreed to support the group and have advised that they will put their requests forward to their next meeting.

“The requests are for bins to be put in the park, the possibility of benches and the provision of brushes, bags, gloves and shovels to the group to enable them to clean and maintain the park on a regular basis.

?

Mr Murphy said the Project was committed to maintaining the playground and wanted to give this valuable facility back to the community and have somewhere for the children to play in a safe environment.

“The group has also contacted local TDs and councillors asking for their support with the project,

? he added.

The Darndale Belcamp Playground Project would like to thank everyone who has got involved so far and would like to ask everyone living in the community to assist in whatever way they can.

Meanwhile, the group is currently looking at ways to raise funds for the project and gain some sponsorship from local businesses in the area. If there is any way you can help you can contact the group through their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/darndale/belcampplaygroundproject. Alternatively, you can contact the group through Nicko Murphy on 01-8771600.