LEADER In The Community - Spotlight on Knocknagree Playground

By Stephanie Moynihan

With the aid of LEADER funding, the community of Knocknagree was able to build a Community Playground on an existing, derelict site in the centre of the village. Prior to the establishment of this community facility, Knocknagree did not have a playground and there was a lack of recreational facilities for children and parents to meet and socialise, resulting in parents having to travel to playgrounds in other villages.

Knocknagree Playground has a highly visible and accessible location in the heart of the village fostering the spirit of a liveable, healthy environment for families to socialise in and for children to be physically active. Approximately eighty families with children in the local and wider community plus visiting grandchildren, relatives, and friends from the wider region, as well as neighbouring communities are directly benefiting from this playground. This important recreational outdoor area encourages and promotes cognitive and physical health as well as social development for rural youth. Footfall in the village will also increase as a result of the playground.

This project fosters community spirit and enhances the attractiveness of the village with the view of attracting young couples and families as well as passing tourists into the area. It is also anticipated that the footfall in the village will increase as a result of the playground. Without doubt, this playground a real highlight for Knocknagree and greatly enjoyed by all.