The first phase of the new Marina Park, next to Páirc Uí Chaoimh, is set to open before the end of this month.
The 32-hectare eco-park will feature a central pavilion, picturesque walkways, and a marshland with a wild meadow garden which will be quadruple the size of the entire park itself. Weather issues caused a slight delay in phase one opening, but the council’s director of operations, David Joyce, said that temporary fencing will be coming down shortly to allow public access to the park.
Colm O’Leary, of the Ballintemple and Area Residents Association has said that the new public amenity has been designed to be accessible primarily by bike or foot, however there may be parking issues as the park does not come with allocated parking. The area is already subject to illegal parking linked to matches in the nearby GAA stadium.
The new Marina Park, when fully completed, will extend from Monaghan Road and Centre Park Road, wrapping around Páirc Uí Chaoimh, connecting to the revamped Atlantic Pond and extending all the way to Blackrock Harbour. The focus of the new development is to encompass accessibility, ecology, nature, biodiversity, activity, conservation, culture and outdoor events.
Work has already commenced on phase two of the park, which will include a massive marshland area, focusing on the ‘nature zone’ of the park, featuring picnic areas, boating facilities, architectural heritage sites, a preserved marshland zone and adventure play areas.