OPW: Office of Public Works
Oifig na nOibreacha Poiblí
Minister Mansergh re-opens newly refurbished St. Stephen’s Green Playground
Wednesday June 23rd, 2010
PRESS RELEASE
The OPW is delighted to announce the re-opening of the children's playground in St. Stephen's Green on 23rd June 2010 at 10 am. Dr.Martin Mansergh, Minister of State at the Department of Finance, with special responsibility for the Office of Public Works, performed the official re-opening.
The new playground has been designed to meet the needs of the many families who use this very popular amenity, which has been in existence for over 20 years. A brand new play surface has been provided together with extra sets of swings, to cater for children with varying degrees of ability, and extra play units for the 2 to 5 year olds. A new playhouse and additional climbing frames are welcome features of the new playground.
Work commenced on site on 22nd March 2010 following a tendering process. The successful tender came from Sports Surfaces Ireland Ltd who were also responsible for the new playgrounds at the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre and Rathfarnham Castle. Existing items from the old playground such as the stainless steel swings, railing and the wetpour safety tiles were recycled and used in the new playground. The contract was completed and handed over on 11th June 2010 and immediately opened to the public. The playground was completed on time and within budget. The playground incorporates a chess board as there is a strong tradition in the local schools of playing chess.
The total play area uses 100% recycled tyre rubber in the base layer. 20 tonnes of recycled material was used in the surfacing at St. Stephen's Green and the entire surface can be recycled when it reaches the end of its life span.
Eibe are the manufacturers of the playground equipment. They have been manufacturing innovative and high-quality playground equipment since 1971. Eibe are certified to EN14001 standards for their environmental management systems. All Eibe timbers are FSC-certified to ensure compliance with sustainable building practices.
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For further information contact: -
Neil Ryan, OPW Press Officer, (046) 942 6128 or (087) 947 5552