Donegal’s first autism-friendly public car parking spaces have been installed this week at the Buncrana Shore Front.
It’s just in time for the grand opening of the Fun For All playpark – a community-funded park, supported by Donegal County Council, for people with disabilities to enjoy with their families and friends.
The rest of the car park has also been white lined making it safer for users.
The inclusive playpark will be officially opened this Friday 25th October at 3pm.
The Friel family, who spearheaded the project, invites everyone to join the celebrations.
“There will be lots of treats on the day and we can’t wait to see our community who supported us and trusted us to deliver “Fun For All”,” said Coreen Robinson, a sister of the late Gareth Friel who inspired the entire project.
Gareth, a much-loved Buncrana man with complex needs, 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 his memory, the Friel family raised an impressive €38,000 for inclusive and sensory play equipment to extend the Buncrana Festival Park into a space ‘for all’.
Every penny was spent on equipment, while Donegal County Council made it all possible by covering the groundwork and installation.
The Fun For All park boasts a range of equipment designed to be both fun and beneficial.
The wheelchair-accessible swing, capable of supporting up to 250kg, is a true centerpiece. The swing is accessible with a radar key that can be purchased for €5 from the Go Visit Inishowen Tourist Office (contact here). The radar key isn’t just for the park, as it is part of a universal key scheme that offers disabled people independent access to locked public toilets around the country.
Wheelchair ability swing
Also in the park is a spring surfboard, a birds nest swing for a number of young people to enjoy, a Connect 4 and maze puzzle, wheelchair accessible picnic benches, a seaside-facing sensory rocker for children with autism and much more.
If you wish to find out more about the Fun For All extension, check out the Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/p/FUN-for-ALL-Buncrana-100093027406600/