New playground for children with autism and special needs opens in Clonmel

A new playground that offers a safe, relaxing and accepting environment for children with autism and special needs has opened in Clonmel.

The sensory playground and garden has been built adjacent to the existing playground at Mulcahy Park, on the town's Waterford Road.

A fundraising drive across the community raised more than €125,000 to provide the playground, the idea for which came from a comment posted on Facebook by local woman Jeanette Condon.

The post was spotted by Cllr. Siobhan Ambrose, who got in touch with former Borough District Engineer Jonathan Cooney, and the plans for the facility were put in place.

Clonmel Rotary Club was one of the main supporters of the playground and two of its members, Marie McMahon and Brendan Nyhan, were widely praised for the role they played in helping it become a reality, at the official opening.   

Its features include a wheelchair-accessible sunken trampoline; textured walkways that are beneficial for wheelchair users and those who may be toe-walkers; and safety-harnessed swings for adults and children.   

Above - Brendan Nyhan, Jeanette Condon and Cllr. Siobhan Ambrose were at the new sensory playground and garden at Mulcahy Park on the day of its official opening

Speaking at the official opening Catherine Kennedy, chairperson of the South Tipperary Autism Support Group, said the playground had been designed with inclusion in mind. She said it would be an asset to Clonmel and South Tipperary and she hoped it would be used to its full potential.

As a parent of a child with special needs, she said it provided a safe, relaxing and accepting environment for those with autism and special needs.

Ms Kennedy said the playground wouldn't have been possible without the help of so many people, including members and officials of Tipperary County Council; Clonmel Rotary Club, the South Tipperary Development Company; John O'Gorman and the emergency services fundraising committee; and the employees charity committee at healthcare company Boston Scientific.

District Mayor Richie Molloy said it was a day of celebration and it showed what could be achieved when people from across the community worked together. He said the playground was a first-rate facility that would be widely used.

Above - Catherine Kennedy, Cormac Daly Kennedy, Marie McMahon and John Keane try out the trampoline at the new sensory playground and garden at Mulcahy Park, Clonmel

Isabel Cambie, chief executive of the South Tipperary Development Company, praised Catherine Kennedy and the committee of the Autism Support Group - which, she said, proved it could deliver - while Joe O'Sullivan, president of Clonmel Rotary, said this much-needed facility would enrich the lives of young people.

Rotary Club member Brendan Nyhan said the support received from the community was nothing short of amazing, and it was remarkable what the community had achieved in a very short period of time.

Tributes were also paid by JP Fitzpatrick from Boston Scientific's charity committee; and John O'Gorman, representing the South Tipperary emergency services fundraising committee.

An ecumenical blessing of the playground was performed by Fr. Deo, Ss Peter and Paul's parish.