Works have commenced on the redevelopment of Carrickphierish Recreation Park in Waterford City.

The €550,000 project is being funded through €450,000 from the Community Recognition Fund and a further €100,000 through the Making Places for and with Teenagers Initiative.

The development will provide a range of new recreational facilities for the local community, including a new playground, multi-use games area, landscaping, footpaths and lighting.

A key feature of the project will be Waterford’s first dedicated Teenage Hangout Space.

The sheltered, all-weather facility has been designed with direct input from teenagers in the local community and will include informal seating, music speaker pods and features designed to facilitate parkour movements.

It is intended to provide young people with a safe and welcoming place to socialise, be active and spend time outdoors.

The project is being jointly funded by the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, the Department of Children, Disability and Equality, and Waterford City and County Council.

Paul Johnston, Senior Engineer with Waterford City and County Council, says the project reflects the strong involvement of the local community in shaping the development.

He said the new park will have a positive impact on health and wellbeing while also enhancing the area for its growing population.

The development forms part of wider efforts to improve community facilities and quality of life across Waterford City’s growing Northwest Suburbs.

Earlier this year, Minister for Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht Dara Calleary visited the site to plant a commemorative tree and announce the objectives of the Community Action Plan for Waterford City’s Northwest Suburbs.

Carrickphierish Recreation Park is expected to be completed and open to the public before the end of this year.

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