CHILDREN in Kinvara were given something to cheer about recently when a new playground was opened on the grounds of St Joseph’s National School in the village.
“It has made a huge difference to Kinvara as a whole not just the school. As well as being something fun for the children, it is a great new social point for young parents meeting up with each other while the children are playing,” Dominic Gallagher, principal of St Joseph’s told The Clare Champion.
With more than 180 pupils in the school, the playground has certainly been busy since its opening at the end of August.
A feature of the playground is that it caters for all ages, with specially designated junior and senior areas. A benefit of the equipment installed in the school is that some of the pieces could also be incorporated into the children’s PE lessons.
“It is designed in such a way that it is almost an outdoor gym. There are different circuits for different ages. There are different activities to promote core development in children with learning difficulties.
“We designed it in such a way that it would help children,” Dominic continued.
The playground is open all day and is used by school children for some classes but is still accessible to the public during school hours.
St Joseph’s National School worked in partnership with Go Play Ltd, a provider of public playgrounds and safety surfacing, in designing and installing the custom-made playground for children in the area.
The playground boasts spinning units and climbing equipment designed to assist children’s physical, mental and social skills, as well as being fun.
Young people can use the playground as a meeting place, to play games and use their skills of balance, reflexes, strength, speed and imagination to enjoy the equipment in the playground.
An interesting feature of the playground is that the surface is made from rubber granules from recycled sports shoes.
Mr Gallagher is delighted with the new development, as parents previously had to travel to Ennis or Oranmore to visit a playground.
As well as having all the latest in play equipment, Kinvara has also benefitted from a new tennis court and all-weather pitch.
“The tennis court has proved hugely popular, so much so that the Kinvara ladies have set up a tennis club. They had their AGM last week and 40 people attended.
“There are even juvenile tennis lessons available through the school as well, from a former Slovenian number one,” Dominic outlined.
The all-weather pitches too are being well utilised, with some parents choosing to use them as birthday party destinations.
“A lot of people are taking them for birthday parties whereby they book the pitch for two hours and take the children here for a game of football.
“It is very popular on Saturday and Sundays and it is used for soccer and Gaelic and we are even seeing a bit of a hockey revival,” explained Dominic.
To help fund the new playground, St Joseph’s National School is having a community playground fundraiser on October 1 in the Pier Head Restaurant with a four-course meal, wine and entertainment by Carmel Dempsey.
Tickets are on sale from the school. Artist Jim McKee has also donated a painting to be auctioned on the night, along with a signed rugby jersey from Ireland’s grand-slam winning team.
“There is a new mindset in Kinvara. There is a great feeling. People are delighted with the playground and the new facilities. Every morning before school there are kids in the playground.
“Any day you drive past it is a beehive of activity. It is great for the children’s well-being. The kids are very appreciative of it themselves. They keep it really well. They love it,” concluded Dominic.
To book the tennis courts, call Dara  on 086 3537833.