An Inishowen family has welcomed the progression of plans to extend Buncrana’s Festival Playpark with disability-friendly facilities.
Donegal County Council yesterday published a tender for the project works, which began as the ‘Fun For All’ campaign by the Friel family last year.
The Friels wanted to improve play facilities in Buncrana in loving memory of their brother Gareth. Gareth passed away in summer 2022 at the age of 38. One of the things Gareth got great joy from in life was using a swing.
In Gareth’s honour, the Friels raised an incredible €38,000 to purchase extra play/sensory equipment for all families to enjoy in the Festival Park.
Fun For All walk in July
They doubled their original target and are grateful to be able to fund an ability swing, a bird’s nest swing, two accessible picnic benches and a large corner seat along with a further 12 pieces of equipment. The extra pieces were chosen with occupational therapy, physiotherapy and interaction in mind, as well as providing sensory experiences and fun.
“I don’t think we as a family will ever stop thanking everyone for their support. This play park will enhance so many lives and I for one can’t wait to see it open and filled with happy children playing!,” said Coreen Robinson, Gareth’s sister.
The project has been supported by Donegal County Council who are providing the groundwork and installation at the Shore Front.
“John Deeney from Donegal Co Council has made the whole process such a pleasurable experience and I would also like to acknowledge his hard work to date,” Coreen said.
A PECS communication board and LAMH board will also join the collective.
Proposal for the Buncrana Festival Park Playground Extension – etenders
The Friels have issued thanks to everyone who supported the various fundraisers last summer. Scoil Iosagain, St Oran’s NS and Little Twigs and Forest Friends Playschool held bake sales. Little Acorns held a pyjama day.
The Friels walked the 45kms from Malin Head to Buncrana on a very wet July Saturday morning. They had an 80’s might in The Laurentic Bar and a mega raffle with €7000 worth of prizes kindly donated by local businesses as well as a coffee morning in O Flaherty’s Bar Buncrana where the draw took place.
To keep up to date with developments, follow the Fun For All page or Facebook: Fun For All
