On the 31 May 2023, the Mayor of South Dublin County Council, Cllr. Emma Murphy officially opened the new Playspace at Dodder Valley Park. The Mayor was joined by local Councillors, Ms. Teresa Walsh, Director of Services, staff of South Dublin County Council, Scoil Treasa’s Student Council, and guests to celebrate this event.
Speaking at the event Mayor Cllr Emma Murphy said“Play is recognised as a vital activity for healthy child development. Children also need time in nature for their physical and mental wellbeing. Integrating a playspace into this well-used open space has brought more life into it and has greatly improved its amenity value.”
Natural play has benefits for children in terms of increasing mental and physical well-being, developing imagination, and allowing children to assess risk and develop their coping abilities.
The Mayor continued “Since the playspace has opened it has been really popular with park users. The regular walkers have been hugely complimentary of the work and we would like to sincerely thank the local community for their support. It has also been very well treated by everyone.”
The playspace is one of three playspaces funded by SDCC’s capital budget being built in Dodder Valley Park. The playspace at Dodder Valley Old Bawn was officially opened by the Mayor earlier this month and the third playspace at Dodder valley Cherryfield will be officially opened by the end of the month. The playspaces, along with the recently opened BMX pump track, have been a welcome addition to the park and have added to the activity and amenity in this beautiful riverside location.
