THE SOON TO BE REVITALISED FINSBURY PARK
DISCOVERING DUNDRUM'S HIDDEN GEM [ THE SOON TO BE REVITALISED FINSBURY PARK]
Today, while exploring Dundrum with my camera, I stumbled upon a delightful surprise: a linear green space, Finsbury Park, undergoing a much-needed revitalisation. What struck me most was the ongoing construction of a vibrant children's playground, promising a fresh burst of energy to this overlooked corner of the neighbourhood.
Finsbury Park, as I've learned, is a mature, linear park nestled between residential homes and apartments, with Gaelscoil na Fuinseóige bordering its grounds. The park's undulating terrain, dotted with mature trees and informal paths, creates a serene atmosphere. The iconic LUAS bridge, visible from the Dundrum village end, adds a touch of modern urbanity to the natural setting. And with the Carnegie Dundrum library just a stone's throw away, the park is ideally situated for community access.
However, like many urban green spaces, Finsbury Park isn't without its challenges. Today, I noticed signs of anti-social activity, including scattered cans and bottles, and a hint of rough sleeping at the Dundrum village end. It's a reminder that public spaces require careful management to ensure they remain safe and welcoming for everyone.
Despite these issues, the ongoing redevelopment project offers a beacon of hope. The project, driven by extensive public consultation, aims to transform Finsbury Park into a thriving community hub.
A Playground for All Ages:
The centrepiece of the revitalisation is undoubtedly the new playground. Driven by feedback from local children through workshops held at Gaelscoil na Fuinseóige, the playground will feature a mix of traditional and natural play elements, catering to children aged 0-11. The children's input highlighted a strong desire for adventure play, gymnastics, sports, and play on wheels, all of which will be considered in the final design.
Community-Driven Design:
The public consultation process has been instrumental in shaping the park's redevelopment. Local residents expressed a strong preference for natural materials and requested specific site furniture, including seating, picnic benches, bike and scooter parking, and multi-lingual signage. While not all requests can be accommodated due to budget and space constraints, the project team is committed to creating a functional and welcoming space.
Addressing Community Needs:
Recognising the park's existing uses, the redevelopment plan also addresses the needs of dog walkers and sports enthusiasts. The design incorporates measures to accommodate dog walking, acknowledging the valuable passive surveillance they provide, while emphasising the importance of responsible dog ownership and clean-up. The existing "kick about" area will be retained and potentially enhanced, and the possibility of incorporating other sports features is being explored.
Nature and Biodiversity:
The project prioritises the preservation and enhancement of the park's natural environment. The design will incorporate natural materials and blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The Dlr Biodiversity Officer is actively involved in the project, ensuring minimal environmental impact and maximising enhancement opportunities. The potential for community gardens and food planting is also being considered, fostering a sense of community ownership and connection to nature.
Accessibility and Sustainability:
Accessibility is a key focus, with plans to install additional paths to create a universally accessible space. In line with Dlr's commitment to sustainable transport, the project encourages walking and cycling, with ample cycle parking provided. Car parking will be restricted, promoting active travel and reducing vehicular traffic in the area.
Looking Forward:
Despite the current challenges, the revitalisation of Finsbury Park represents a significant investment in the Dundrum community. By addressing the needs of children, dog walkers, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers, the project has the potential to transform this hidden gem into a vibrant and inclusive public space. I'm excited to watch the playground take shape and to witness the positive impact it will have on the community.
It’s exciting to see the community being considered and for the park to be improved for all. I look forward to coming back and seeing the finished project.
Today, while exploring Dundrum with my camera, I stumbled upon a delightful surprise: a linear green space, Finsbury Park, undergoing a much-needed revitalisation. What struck me most was the ongoing construction of a vibrant children's playground, promising a fresh burst of energy to this overlooked corner of the neighbourhood.
Finsbury Park, as I've learned, is a mature, linear park nestled between residential homes and apartments, with Gaelscoil na Fuinseóige bordering its grounds. The park's undulating terrain, dotted with mature trees and informal paths, creates a serene atmosphere. The iconic LUAS bridge, visible from the Dundrum village end, adds a touch of modern urbanity to the natural setting. And with the Carnegie Dundrum library just a stone's throw away, the park is ideally situated for community access.
However, like many urban green spaces, Finsbury Park isn't without its challenges. Today, I noticed signs of anti-social activity, including scattered cans and bottles, and a hint of rough sleeping at the Dundrum village end. It's a reminder that public spaces require careful management to ensure they remain safe and welcoming for everyone.
Despite these issues, the ongoing redevelopment project offers a beacon of hope. The project, driven by extensive public consultation, aims to transform Finsbury Park into a thriving community hub.
A Playground for All Ages:
The centrepiece of the revitalisation is undoubtedly the new playground. Driven by feedback from local children through workshops held at Gaelscoil na Fuinseóige, the playground will feature a mix of traditional and natural play elements, catering to children aged 0-11. The children's input highlighted a strong desire for adventure play, gymnastics, sports, and play on wheels, all of which will be considered in the final design.
Community-Driven Design:
The public consultation process has been instrumental in shaping the park's redevelopment. Local residents expressed a strong preference for natural materials and requested specific site furniture, including seating, picnic benches, bike and scooter parking, and multi-lingual signage. While not all requests can be accommodated due to budget and space constraints, the project team is committed to creating a functional and welcoming space.
Addressing Community Needs:
Recognising the park's existing uses, the redevelopment plan also addresses the needs of dog walkers and sports enthusiasts. The design incorporates measures to accommodate dog walking, acknowledging the valuable passive surveillance they provide, while emphasising the importance of responsible dog ownership and clean-up. The existing "kick about" area will be retained and potentially enhanced, and the possibility of incorporating other sports features is being explored.
Nature and Biodiversity:
The project prioritises the preservation and enhancement of the park's natural environment. The design will incorporate natural materials and blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape. The Dlr Biodiversity Officer is actively involved in the project, ensuring minimal environmental impact and maximising enhancement opportunities. The potential for community gardens and food planting is also being considered, fostering a sense of community ownership and connection to nature.
Accessibility and Sustainability:
Accessibility is a key focus, with plans to install additional paths to create a universally accessible space. In line with Dlr's commitment to sustainable transport, the project encourages walking and cycling, with ample cycle parking provided. Car parking will be restricted, promoting active travel and reducing vehicular traffic in the area.
Looking Forward:
Despite the current challenges, the revitalisation of Finsbury Park represents a significant investment in the Dundrum community. By addressing the needs of children, dog walkers, sports enthusiasts, and nature lovers, the project has the potential to transform this hidden gem into a vibrant and inclusive public space. I'm excited to watch the playground take shape and to witness the positive impact it will have on the community.
It’s exciting to see the community being considered and for the park to be improved for all. I look forward to coming back and seeing the finished project.
THE SOON TO BE REVITALISED FINSBURY PARK