By Dan Walsh at Gorey Town and District Park
After many years of planning and controversy and delays mainly due to Covid 19, the magnificent community facilities at Gorey Town and District Park were officially opened today (Saturday) and in pleasant weather conditions large numbers, mostly family groups, were taking full advantage of Gorey’s latest community showpiece.
Minister of State, James Browne T.D. said “It is a huge pleasure to be here in Gorey for the opening of Gorey Town and District Park” and he acknowledged the funding support from Minister Heather Humphreys, who Minister Browne remarked “could not be here today.”
Minister Browne predicted that the park is going to provide an inclusive facility for the people of Gorey town and the wider community, and he claimed, “it is designed to connect people with nature.”
Cathaoirleach of Gorey Kilmickridge Municipal District Council, Cllr Pip Breen, said he was delighted to be opening the park with Minister Browne, “There is really something for everybody in this park,” he added.
Cllr Breen said the park is a fantastic asset to the people of Gorey and there are many elements to it; from the extended playgrounds to a pitch, the sensory garden, the micro-forest and the enhanced biodiversity pool, the camper van overnight facilities, the walking track and the outdoor gym facilities, the changing facilities and the café.
District Manager Philip Knight, who acted as master of ceremonies, welcomed everybody, and expressed his delight that “we are finally declaring the Park, the Café and the Changing Facilities open” and he commended many who had contributed over time, including former District Managers Amanda Byrne and Michael Drea.
Mr. Knight read a few comments from the public about the park. “I hope that all visitors to Gorey and the people that live here find this park a happy surprise”, he concluded.
Chief Executive of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright, joined in complimenting everybody who have seen the park come to this stage and he outlined other projects that may benefit Gorey going forward, including plans for St. Waleran’s site.
Sinead and Eoin Cullen who served from a coffee van in the park for eight months won the tender to operate the Coffee Pod Café and they were delighted to be part of today’s opening ceremony along with their two equally excited boys, Ciarán and Riann. “We are proud to have the original paintings of local artist Kate Kos on the walls of our café and we would be delighted if you could tell everybody to come and have a look at this beautiful work,” Sinead told WexfordLocal.com
The attendance included Deputy Johnny Mythen, Senator Malcolm Byrne and Cllrs Fionntán Ó Súilleabháin, Leas-Cathaoirleach, Andrew Bolger, Diarmuid Devereux, Joe Sullivan and Donal Kenny. Kevin Molloy represented the Age Friendly community.
Today’s events took place in conjunction with the Market House Festival, which was appropriately a family fun day in the park, and there was a large attendance, and the various facilities were all busy, well used and appreciated, and there are plans to hold more events in Gorey Town and District Park now that it is fully developed and safe for public use.
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