Ballybunion Tidy Towns is happy to announce that on Tuesday, 22 September, they officially cut the ribbon, opened and dedicated their new, improved picnic area near the Children’s Playground in the Town Park. Tidy Towns would like to thank Kerry County Council for all the grants they have awarded to Tidy Towns to bring this large project to fruition. The 2020 Community Enhancement Programme provided the last features of this project. They funded the new rubbish bin and dedication plaque in the picnic area. These 2 items make up the last phase of a larger park picnic area project. Other KCC grants helped fund the other elements in earlier phases of the new picnic area project.
On the new plaque, you will see that the park is dedicated in honour of Miss Rita Hawney(RIP). Many years ago she donated the park land to the children of Ballybunion. The plaque, installed on a slab of natural Liscannor stone, is situated in one corner of the new picnic area. The town is very appreciative of her generosity and thoughtfulness.
Other elements of the new picnic area are the result of 2018 & 2019 grants from KCC. Grants from the Community Enhancement Programme, Community Support Fund and Department of Rural and Community Development have allowed Ballybunion Tidy Towns to complete their renovation and improvement of the picnic area by installing 4 new granite tables featuring inlaid chessboards and wheelchair access, granite benches, a hard under surface of beautiful Liscannor stone and corner plantings.
The new all-weather picnic area will allow for enjoyment year round with access especially for people in wheelchairs, on walkers and with pushing buggies. Additionally, the new tables are equipped with inlaid chess boards in the hopes of providing people with a lively game of chess or drafts. We hope those that use the area for a rest, to eat, or to enjoy the view will, also, respect the new planting and dispose of their rubbish in the new bin provided. This will help us keep Ballybunion Town Park a tidy place in to visit.
