It’’s time to play

By Liudmyla Bortok

The new playground at Marina Park quietly opened to the public last week — and it hasn’t seen a quiet moment since.

Families from across the city have been flocking to the South Docklands to enjoy the long-awaited play space.

With climbing frames, log and net trails, swings, basket swings, teepees, and tunnels, the playground offers a full day’s adventure for the small ones. A wheelchair-accessible swing ensures that every child can join in the fun.

There’s plenty for grown-ups too — outdoor gym equipment sits alongside the play area, encouraging movement and fresh air for all ages.

The opening marks another key step in the ongoing transformation of Marina Park.

The Holland Park section of Phase 2 is now open, with works continuing around the Atlantic Pond due for completion before the end of the year.

Phase 1, which opened in 2022, delivered 14 acres of public green space. A further 56 acres — including a nature zone, picnic spots, marshland, heritage sites, and boating facilities — are expected by late 2025.

The project connects with the newly finished Marina Promenade, a 1.8km walking and cycling route stretching from Centre Park Road to Blackrock.

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