Developing Sligo's Parks and Amenity Areas

Sligo Borough Council’s Parks Department is currently undertaking a major programme of capital works to develop and upgrade recreational facilities and amenity areas around Sligo City.

Works recently completed include a new 12 lane Boulodrome playing area in Mitchell Curley Park and new playground equipment installed at Hillside Adventure Park.

Some of the major works to be undertaken in 2006 include :-

Forthill Municipal Park

Phase II works are programmed for 2006 to include the redevelopment of existing poor quality grass pitch to a sand carpet pitch and the development of a multi sports area. The Parks Department is awaiting confirmation of funding from the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism in order to progress to tender stage. A funding application has been made in consultation with Rapid for Dormant Accounts funding for Phase III works at Forthill Park to include for the development of access roads, feature entrances, car parking, walkways.

Hillside Adventure Playground

Further new equipment has recently been installed at the playground with the assistance of funding received under National Disability Strategy funding 2005. The playground at Holborn Street has now been almost completely upgraded and  redeveloped to European Safety Standards. 

It is intended subject to funding from the 2006 Rapid Playground fund to complete the playgrounds transformation to a modern playground by years end with the upgrading of the flying fox and addition of extra items of play  equipment.

Seaview Park (off First Sea Road)

Part 8 approval has been granted for the development of Seaview Park and the development of a new sand carpet pitch is now being finalised on site. By the end of 2006 it is intended that a new six acre park will be available for recreational use and will include a multi use games area, extensive walking paths, seating, children’s natural play area, landscaped areas.

Garavogue/Doorly Park

Work has commenced on the development on a new parkland amenity on site with preliminary civil works completed. Part 8 approval has been granted and tender documents are currently being finalised for the development of a new pitch, Multi Use Games Area, walkway / cycleway, seating, car park. The programme of works is funded by Sligo Borough Council and the Department of Arts, Sports and Tourism.

Mitchell Curley Park

Work has now been completed on a new 12 lane Boules (Pétanque) Courts.

The initiative was part funded by the National Disability Strategy through the Department of Environment and Local Government. The new leisure amenity will add to the existing wide range of facilities at Mitchell Curley Park and ensures that the park continues to promote the ethos of Sligo Borough Council and the Sligo Sports and Recreation Partnership ie ‘Active recreation for all’.

- Cranmore Playground

Cranmore Playground

Work has commenced on the development of a new playground near Abbeyquarter Community Centre in Cranmore. A new modern playground facility is being developed on site.

Cartron foreshore

It is intended to develop two new areas for public amenity and recreation - a new promenade area along Sea View Drive and development of the site of the old swimming pool at Markievicz Road. The proposed development works include the provision of new paved areas, pedestrian walk ways, cycleways, landscaping, seating and public lighting. It is intended to commence works on site in 2006 (subject to council approval).

Works are progressing on masterplans for Cleveragh Park and Cranmore Regeneration. 

Boules - A Beginner’s Guide

The development of a ‘Boules’ facility at Mitchell Curley Park is certain to attract interest from newcomers to the sport. And while many people may not have heard of ‘Boules’, otherwise known as ‘Petanque’, it is due to be included in the next Olympic Games in  Beijing.

The game of boules is perhaps the sport that is closest to French hearts.

Similar to British lawn bowling or Italian bocce, the French version is traditionally played with metallic balls on a dirt surface beneath plane trees, with a glass of pastis at hand. The object of the game is to throw your balls ... usually with somewhat of an arched back-spin ... so that they land closer to the small object ball (cochonnet ) than those of your opponent, or strike and drive the object ball toward your other balls and away from your opponent's.