Toilet and changing facilities on way for Blackwater Park

The construction of changing facilities and toilets for Navan's Blackwater Park will take place this year, while an outdoor auditorium or bandstand, dog area, skate park and additional sports facilities are among the proposals to be considered for the future development of the park.

An update on proposed future works will come before members of Navan Municipal Council at the next meeting of the council, following a request for an update by Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons.

Meanwhile, Cllr Eddie Fennessy has called for the construction of an outdoor auditorium or bandstand in the park.

At a meeting of the Municipal Council last week, he was told it would be included in future plans to develop the park and that there are no proposals or funding available at the moment. The only redevelopment works planned is the provision of the changing rooms/toilets.

"The provision of an outdoor auditorium or bandstand in the Blackwater Park would completely transform that amenity and open it up to increased public use, particularly during the summer months," said Cllr Fennessy.

"We have a great tradition of marching bands in Navan and what better way to celebrate that tradition than the provision of a dedicated space where local bands can share their music with the people of Navan.

"Where better to enjoy that music on a warm summers evening than a family picnic down by the riverside."

He said that following the sad passing of distinguished local band leader, Jack Regan, he was asked to request the installation of a bandstand in the park and that it be named in his honour.

"Unfortunately council's commemoration policy doesn't allow for the naming of a monument until an honouree has been deceased for twenty years.

"The installation of a music space in the park would be tribute enough and I'm sure Jack would be honoured to have inspired it's creation," he said.

Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons said it was fantastic to see so many people using the park on a daily basis and it had become an oasis for the local community in these times.

"It has proven to be a godsend to so many over the last year, in particular with the 5km movement limit.

"This year will see Meath County Council start work on the toilets and changing rooms and hopefully we will have them open by the end of the year. This is welcome news for those using the park and especially good news for sports groups and individuals involved in activities here.

"I have asked the Council Management to present us with the next phase of intended works so that we have a planned approach to development within Blackwater Park.

"We have all had requests for additional benches on the walkway, for more walkways and bike tracks, for extra sporting facilities, for a bandstand, for a skatepark and for a dog controlled area where dogs can be let off the leash.

"Added to this, we would all like to see the provision of a footbridge from the southern part of the park over the River Blackwater to allow for easy access and more parking.

"While many of these are in the plans, I would like to see a planned approach with goals for each year, which are achievable. Naturally, the park is evolving. It will have even more uses and users. Numbers using the park will increase as it develops. New access points will increase footfall when the proposed new road/bridge from Ratholdren Road to the Kells Road is finished and there is the probability of increased permeability as the park links with the Mollies area under the urban re-generation of the Flower Hill area.

"Blackwater Park has been of such great benefit to the town and wider area. It is a massive success and it's so important that we plan the next stage properly and relay this to the public," Cllr Fitzsimons concluded.