Clarecastle playground ‘eva’ more inclusive after community effort

AUTISM-friendly facilities are in full swing in part of the upgraded Clarecastle Playground, which cost in the region of €16,000.
This completion of this upgraded facility illustrates what can be achieved when community groups work in collaboration with each other to maximise benefits for the locality.
In 2015, the heart of Clarecastle village was transformed by the development of this playground adjacent to Powers’ Car Park, but in the last six years wear and tear was beginning to take its toll.
Councillor Paul Murphy recalled last year he was approached by the Clarecastle Playground Committee who sought funding for additional works to the playground.
The Deputy Mayor of Ennis was delighted to assist them through finance provided by the General Municipal Allocation from Clare County Council, which was unanimously supported by his colleagues in the Ennis Municipal District.
“When it was developed initially the equipment included a wheelchair swing. The playground committee had a vision to make the playground more inclusive and were delighted when Gearoid Mannion of Ennis Voices for Autism (EVA) contributed to that vision.
“EVA gave generously both of their time and also contributed financially to the upgrade of the Clarecastle Playground.
“The upgrade included general maintenance to the existing structure and the inclusion of some autism-friendly equipment and Autism Widgit Communication Signage.
“Gearoid Mannion was keen to point out that by establishing connections with the Clarecastle Playground Committee they were generating awareness of autism in general and specifically the unique needs of special needs children in all playgrounds,” Councillor Murphy explained.
Sarah O’Neill of the Clarecastle Playground Committee was happy to see the works completed, but noted that the committee’s work continues as it is an ongoing effort to maintain, upgrade and develop the playground for all children.
“New volunteers to assist with fundraising and general upkeep are always welcome and the committee can be contacted through the facebook page – Clarecastle Community Development Ltd,” she stated.
Sarah thanked both Clare County Council and EVA for their generous contributions.
“Parents are reminded that the playground should be a safe space for all children and are asked to ensure that children respect other people and remove all rubbish before leaving,” she added.
Ennis Voices for Autism (EVA) was delighted to be invited to advise on the upgrade of the fantastic Clarecastle Playground.
The group strongly believes that all public facilities such as playgrounds, swimming pools, cycle parks should be universally designed for the access and enjoyment of the entire community, not just typical or able-bodied people.
All playgrounds should have swings for a wheelchair, a communication board and a quiet area.
Autistic children and those who may have sensory issues may prefer a quiet area in a playground away from the hustle bustle of the main activities.
This is because the sensory experience at a playground can sometimes be overwhelming. The happy shouts from other children, squeaky swings and iron gates loudly banging shut each time someone opens it can all become too much for a child with sensory processing issues.
Mr Mannion pointed out making recreational facilities more sensory-friendly does not necessarily mean spending big money.
When group members first visited the Clarecastle playground, the loud squeak from the entrance gate was the first thing that stood out.
Most people may not even notice, but some Autistic children would immediately be put off, and may not even be able to enter the play-area. A drop of oil and the problem was sorted.
There was also a small area of the playground where the underfoot surface was soft and mushy. Again, this not very inviting for anyone, but even less so for some Autistic children. The upgrade included a durable rubber-based surface that will last for many years.
There is now an Autism-friendly area and small communication board that children can access easily.
“We are proud to have our EVA logo on display. We were delighted to work with Clarecastle Community Playground Group on this project and to make a financial contribution of €2,200 to the playground upgrade.
“Despite the name of our group, EVA are open to everyone in the Autistic community throughout the entire county.
“We have a public Facebook page and a private parents WhatsApp Group where parents can share information and ask questions in a safe space.
“The group occasionally holds parent meetings with guest-speakers, but mostly we organise autism-friendly activity sessions such as gymnastics, activity centre play sessions and Lego workshops where parents get to meet up and support one another and share their experiences.
“Pre-pandemic, the group also ran subsidised one-to-one swimming lessons, learn-to-cycle courses with Cycle Safe Ireland and activity mornings with Strike Sport.
“This summer we are running subsidised one-to-one therapeutic horse riding with Karen at Kilulla Stud, Newmarket-on-Fergus and one-to-one surf lessons with the White Water Surf Company in Spanish Point.
“Both activities have been hugely subscribed and demonstrate the need for such activities – and indeed the benefits to businesses who make the effort to welcome our children”.
Mr Mannion paid tribute to Councillor Murphy and the Clarecastle Playground Committee for progressing this upgrade in the middle of a pandemic.

by Dan Danaher