Improving access for all to the Grove Park in Bruff Co. Limerick.

Description

The Binn Liosín Park, also known locally as The Grove is a riverside park in Bruff Co. Limerick. It is close to the town. It contains an ancient lios or fort, beautiful mature trees, flower beds and areas managed for wildlife. It is a very pleasant place for all in the community to come and enjoy a stroll along the Morningstar river bank.

However in the past the park suffered from a lack of accessibility. The closest access from the town was via old steep steps. The alternative entrance is more accessible but is a more substantial walk from the town. In the last 4 – 5 years steps have been taken to improve the quality of the footpath network in the Grove and it’s access points in order to encourage more people in the community to use it particularly people who are elderly, infirm or disabled.

Prior to that, the footpath suffered from subsidence and deterioration and was

• Undulating, cracked and uneven

• Dangerous for young and old alike

• Unsightly

• Had been patched up on several occasions.

We carried out the following works in the Grove;

1. Replaced up to 50% of kerbing which was damaged

2. Drainage to clear surface water on footpath & grassed area near the bridge in the Grove

3. New wheelchair friendly entrance ramp to the Grove near the bridge to replace existing steps which were dangerous.

4. Tarmac resurfacing of the network of paths.

Cost of tarmac to footpaths and replace some kerbing €12,939.00

Ramp at entrance to Grove and ACCO drains 22,253.38

Total Outlay 35,192.38

In addition, 2 Age Friendly seats were purchased and sited at the Church of Ireland and the Grove costing €2,100 including installation. The Council carried out repairs on the Hospital Road from the new Carebright centre to the Main Street to make the footpaths more Age Friendly. This in turn linked to the Grove Park. The Age friendly seat installed at the C of I is a good rest point on the walk from the town to the park. Access to Park and surface to footpath in the Park is Age Friendly. Plans for the future would be to replace existing seats in Grove and Park with Age friendly ones

Aim of Initiative

The aim of the initiative is to increase the enjoyment of the beautiful Grove park by all in the community. It has always been quite well used as it is a very attractive place however the state of the paths and the access points made it difficult for anyone with less than perfect mobility.

The initiative was given greater impetus due to the opening of a new Carebright dementia care facility in the town.

Who is it aimed at

Bruff Tidy Town aligns it’s work with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

GOAL 3: Good Health and Well-being: The initiative was aimed at those with limited mobility. Having access to the park increases the likelihood of enjoyable exercise and social interaction.

GOAL 10: Reduced Inequality: The initiative allowed our community members who might not be as sure of foot, who use wheelchairs or who need to be accompanied more equal access to the beautiful amenity

GOAL 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities: The whole community benefits. The improvements have made the park more pleasant to use for all. The park is used by a greater variety of people, there is greater footfall. People are more likely to spend their leisure time locally.

3 Steps critical to success

1. (SDG 17: Partnerships to achieve the goals)
   Funding for the Project was secured through the govt LEADER scheme.
   LCCC provided support.
   Bruff Tidy Towns suggested, organised, planned and supervised the initiative and funded the work involving the planting, riverside vegetation and new trees.
   Bruff Community Council also assisted.
   The board of trustees of the park allowed and supported the work.
2. Local knowledge:
   The park had an issue with paths flooding that had been observed locally over the years by BTT members who advised.
   BTT also cleared excess vegetation from the riverbanks to improve the walkways and view of the river
3. Maintenance
   The new access ramp is of high quality with age friendly surface. The new paths are even. However any surface can degrade over time and with lack of maintenance.
   Bruff Tidy Towns members regularly inspect the surfaces. Paths are kept clear of weeds. A leaf blower is used in autumn time to reduce slip hazards.
   The area under the ramp is kept as a pictorial flower meadow. It is beautiful, great for pollinators and enhances the walk greatly. it is replanted annually.

3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery

1. Water/flooding
   Acco drainage was installed
2. Some trees were brought down during a storm. They have been made safe and new trees planted

3 Outcomes / Benefits

1. The Grove Park:The work has been a big success and admired by all. There has been an observed increase in the use of the park.
2. The new Age friendly seating at the base of the ramp and outside the old Church of Ireland gate have been installed and are used regularly.
3. This year there were improvements to the footpaths on the Hospital road. They were widened to allow wheelchair use. This is at the site of the Carebright centre. This further improves access from the centre to our parks.