A journey that began for the IAF in 2015, but started for the BMXers in Ballyfermot long before that, is reaching its culmination this summer as construction finally begins on the Ballyfermot Play Park! Contractors C&A Ltd and skate specialists Freestyle were appointed at the beginning of the summer to make a reality the design for the park by London-based architectural practice Relational Urbanism.

Relational Urbanism were appointed through an international design competition run by the IAF in 2016 following an extensive programme of community engagement and consultation. What Relational Urbanism have designed for the park is totally informed by the community, from the BMXers, children and young people of Ballyfermot to the park’s neighbours, older people and those with varied mobility needs. Facilities for skating, scooting and BMXing, play equipment, seating, lighting and landscaping all feature in the park’s design.

Ground works have begun on site with an official breaking ground ceremony due to take place September 24. All significant works on site should be complete by the end of this year, with final touches and landscaping due to occur in early 2020. Stay tuned here and on the Play Park Ballyfermot Facebook page for updates, and we look forward to seeing you in the park next year!