A recently completed playground in County Mayo has won an award at the Association of Landscape Contractors of Ireland.

The playground at Turlough Park House was celebrated as the best Public Playground in the Southern Region at an awards show in Belfast. It also secured a Merit award for the 32 counties.

Designed by Peter Gill, Parks Superintendent Mayo County Council, on the site of a disused quarry, the playground incorporated a concept known as 'Natural Play' where the play equipment provides a play value together with the landscape in which it is situated.

The judges were very impressed by the playground and commented specifically on the superb location, the excellent design and the quality of the build and the materials used.

-- Advertisement --

Congratulating those involved in the playground, Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Blackie Gavin said: "It is fantastic to see the playground in Turlough acknowledged for such a prestigious award. Much of its success is owed to Noreen Hennigan, the Mayo County Council Horticulturist based at Turlough House, and Peter Gill, the Parks Superintendent for Mayo. Without their knowledge and hard work, and the hard work of many more, the playground would not be the success that it is."

Peter Hynes, Chief Executive of Mayo County Council, added: "Outdoor play is a very important aspect of living in Mayo and the Public Playground in the grounds of Turlough House is another fine example of what is on offer in Mayo. Much hard work and ingenuity has gone in to the creation of the playground in the old quarry on the museum grounds and credit must go to all those involved.

"This is also an award for the local community in Turlough who have made the playground the success it is."

(CM/JG)