Climbing high in Marina Park

The newly opened Holland Park section and playground in Marina Park are already a big hit with locals — especially with the young and the young at heart.

Opened in early July, the area has seen a burst of new life, colour and energy. Landscaping is now complete in Holland Park, with new trees and an impressive 10,000 plants planted.

The new playground is packed with fun features like climbing frames, a log and net trail, swings, a swing basket, a teepee and a tunnel. There’s also a wheelchair-accessible swing, ensuring that children of all abilities can enjoy the space. Even the popular 'snakes and ladders' slides along the greenway have had a makeover, with softer surfacing and new features that make it easier to climb back to the top for another go.

For the grown-ups, there’s new multi-use gym equipment right beside the playground. New benches, picnic tables and even sun loungers have been added too, making it easy to take a break and enjoy the summer sun.

But not everything is smooth sailing just yet.

Locals are growing more concerned about the lack of toilets in the area. With visitor numbers on the rise, people are anxious about keeping the park clean and well-maintained. Some residents are worried that the lack of proper facilities could turn nearby streets into makeshift toilets.

Meanwhile, one nearby cafe has placed a petition on their counter calling for public troilets with many, many people signing it.

Independent Cllr Kieran McCarthy said the Parks Department is planning to install permanent toilets on the Promenade, with more information expected in September.

“I have had many locals coming to me asking me why toilets weren’t included in the initial plans. It has come down to funding allocations from the National Transport Authority. Funding for toilets was not included.

“I am of the view that all greenway-like projects like The Marina and many others that toilet provisions should be included and are a must for any future projects and retrospective funding should also be released for projects such as The Marina Park.”

In the meantime, the park continues to take shape — and attract even more people — helped along by Cork’s recent stretch of glorious sunshine.

The Sunken Garden has also had a major refresh, including a new picnic bench and 8,000 more plants gone in.

Work is nearly finished on Barrington’s Folly and the nearby woodland paths, with planting and seeding now complete.

Cork City Council is also wrapping up upgrades to the Atlantic Pond area, including the addition of benches, new lighting and the construction of a timber-deck bridge on the southern side, near SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Cllr McCarthy highlighted the significant investment in the Marina district and said he looks forward to welcoming more groups to the parkland on his historical walking tours.

“I have liked the focus on the different angles on reanimating the recreational district from the focus on planting native Irish species to creating an accessible recreational space to promoting active healthy lifestyles through walking and cycling to creating a family orientated centre in the form of playgrounds to initiating conservation works of the old railway line and to unveiling structures such as Barrington’s Folly to the general public.”

With more people heading to the South Docklands, Marina Park is fast becoming one of Cork’s top destinations once again. And there’s more to come — another 56 acres are on the way by late 2025.

That phase will include marshlands, nature zones, heritage trails, picnic areas and even boating facilities. The park also links directly with the 1.8km Marina Promenade — a scenic walking and cycling route running from Centre Park Road to Blackrock — and features formal tree lines, restored stone walls, and wide open spaces for play and relaxation.

This article was produced with the support of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme funded by Coimisiún na Meán.