Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Brendan Cronin, has welcomed the reopening of the Knockreer Playground which has new inclusive and accessible play equipment.

The gates to the hugely popular playground opened on Friday afternoon, following works carried out to extend and upgrade the existing playground.

The Cathaoirleach expressed his delight that the children of Killarney and beyond can once again enjoy the facilities.

“I am delighted to confirm the reopening of Knockreer Playground in Killarney,” he said. “This wonderful amenity belongs to the people of Killarney and has been sorely missed particularly in recent times. The upgrade works to the playground have been delayed as a result of COVID-19, but it's great now to have them complete.”

Kerry County Council set about extending the existing playground to provide inclusive/accessible equipment for all and subsequently received a grant from the Department of Children and Youth Affairs. KCC also supplemented this grant from its own resources.

“They have built a beautiful extension to the playground that provides a magical play experience for all children regardless of physical or mental ability,” Cllr Cronin added.

The new roundabout allows space for assisted devices and wheelchairs. The play tower with stepped access and double width slide will inspire young children of all abilities to play actively whilst feeling secure in their movements. Rich colours differentiate the area for children with autism along with textured surfaces and play spheres adding to the sensory experience. Inclusive play is at the very core of the playgrounds design.

The proposed extension will make the playground extremely attractive to all children and promote equal play opportunities in Killarney.