A proposal for the installation of the Inishowen Heritage and Play Trail, commissioned by The People of Carndonagh, has been released for public consultation.
The people of Carndonagh are a community group who came together to propose enhancements for the Barrack Hill Town Park.
Inspired by the wealth of cultural heritage in Inishowen, the Barrck Hill Town Park plan incorporates an element of play into discovery exploration of the local archaeology.
The plan gives people the opportunity to get to know more about Inishowen’s rich history through play. With Carndonagh’s place in Inishowen’s past, and its geographical position at the centre of the peninsula, it is a great location for a heritage hub where visitors can find out more about Inishowen’s heritage whilst in the town.
The plans also address issues of park use highlighted by park users themselves, like accessibility, quality of the play equipment, and under used areas of the park.
In conversations with park users, that informed the plans for consultation, the surface material and gradients of the pathways made it difficult for people with limited mobility, pushchairs, or wheelchair users to access.
Activity throughout the park, which includes a cycle track and public art sculptures, could be encouraged with the proposed trails. The study of the park included proposals for new playground equipment and a play trail that will feature a fairy village and leprechaun town.
In consultation with Donegal County Council this plan is part of an ongoing LEADER funded feasibility study.
Of the consultation, Peter Doherty spearhead of the plans, said “We hope that this development will increase interest in our cultural heritage and will immerse our young in it through play. The intention is to have an engaging play trail for the children of the area.
“It also aims to address the lack of walks through nature available in Carndonagh by linking Pound Street through to Ballyloskey, a route that we intend to also serve as a cycleway.
“Furthermore, we are seeking to create a unique visitor experience that will encourage tourism in the area. It is important to highlight that the project is only at the point of the feasibility study and therefore it is only a proposal. Any issues that you may have with the proposal will be strongly considered as we want this to be a project that belongs to the people of Carndonagh.”
The plans for the Heritage and Play Trail are available as part of a public consultation. As well as distributing the plans to stakeholders they will be available to view at the Visit Carndonagh offices open Monday to Wednesday 9.30am – 5.00pm.
The People of Carndonagh are actively encouraging your feedback and would love to know your thoughts on the plan.
Please offer your thoughts by email to peopleofcarn@hotmail.com.
