Minister’s cock-a-hoop about fantastic new county Kilkenny community park
Residents in a county Kilkenny town and the local authority came together to create a fantastic new recreational space for the whole community to enjoy.
Justice Minister Heather Humphreys visited Thomastown recently to officially open the Thomastown Recreational/Park Amenity.
The outdoor multipurpose amenity is located near the centre of the town and has been a hub of activity for teenagers, children and adults since it opened, providing a space where they can congregate outdoors, play tennis, basketball or badminton or just relax and enjoy a coffee.
The previously underutilised space was developed by Kilkenny County Council in partnership with a recently established group of local volunteers, the Thomastown Community Recreational Area Group (TCRAG) and Thomastown Community Centre.
The state-of-the-art amenity secured €100,000 under the 2020 Town & Village Renewal Scheme to enhance the previously derelict amenity area behind the Community Centre. Kilkenny County Council delivered the Project and also contributed funding towards the facility with Kilkenny Leader Partnership.
The works completed included resurfacing of the existing run-down basketball and tennis courts, the enhancement of the open spaces including tidying up the site, removing old fencing, landscaping and the building of an amphitheatre/seated area. Other works include adding LED lighting over the courts and adding an outdoor accessible shelter with seating and picnic benches.
Council leader, Cllr Fidelis Doherty, praised the new facility, saying: “This is a wonderful recreation/park facility located in the centre of Thomastown.
“It will provide opportunities for active living and recreation for all ages in a safe and inclusive environment and complement the existing and very well used children’s playground providing an amenity for older children, adults and the elderly for years to come.”
