Dunboyne playground boost after donation from Meta
A MAJOR refurbishment of the Dunboyne Playground and Skatepark is expected to be completed early next year, thanks to a major donation to the facility from Facebook parent company, Meta.
The new facility proposed by the Dunboyne Playspace Forum will include a new zone, where teenagers can get together.
This will include equipment such as hanging bars and other exercise facilities, as well as “sociable swings” that face each other.
Meta has partnered with Meath County Council and Dunboyne Playspace Forum to fund and support the development of the facility, which will cater for youngsters of all ages from toddlers to teenagers.
The playground and skatepark has been made possible with an investment of €285,000 from Meta, funding of €100,000 under the Town and Village Renewal Scheme and a contribution of €21,000 from Meath County Council.
Substantial local fundraising has also been carried out by Dunboyne Playspace Forum, which carried out a survey last year, to gather views from a wide body of parents on what facilities were needed.
Aoife Flynn, Community Development Manager at Meta said: “We are committed to supporting the long-term development and prosperity of our local communities.
“The vision from Dunboyne Playground and Playspace to create an outdoor community space that the entire town can enjoy, both now and as Dunboyne grows, aligns well with our mission to give people the power to build community.”
The project will involve the refurbishment of the playground and skatepark area including the upgrading of existing play equipment and the installation of fencing and seating to ensure safety and comfort for younger users and adults alike.
The project will be managed by Meath County Council in consultation with Dunboyne Playspace Forum.
Jackie Maguire, Chief Executive Meath County Council said: “It is great to see this project receive this level of funding and support.
“The playground and skatepark will play a key role in improving the quality of life for teenagers and children living in Dunboyne and its surrounding areas.
“This important piece of community infrastructure can very much be part of their growing-up and provide them with opportunities for safe play, to make friends and to get involved in activities and various interests that will shape and make them into citizens of the future.”
Diana Ross from Dunboyne Playspace Forum added: “We are thrilled to have Meta on board and welcome their significant support along with that of Meath County Council, the Department of Rural and Community Development and the many local businesses and contributors.”
Cllr Maria Murphy, a member of the Playspace Forum was delighted with the news.
“The project will upgrade the existing play equipment, replace the existing skatepark, install fencing to ensure the safety of the younger children and install new seating.
"We are very grateful to Meta and to the many other local businesses that have made donations as well as the local community," she said.