Killarney Skate Park Official Opening!

On Friday, June 23rd, Cathaoirleach of Killarney Municipal District, Cllr Niall Kelleher officially opened the new Killarney Skate Park ‘Cluiche’.

The new skate park, which is situated in the grounds of the Killarney Sports and Leisure Centre, was developed by Kerry County Council, in consultation with the local skateboarding community in Killarney, and with the Killarney Skateboard User Group.

The €260,000 project was funded by Kerry County Council and the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media under their Sports Capital Programme. The park itself was designed by Vulcano Skateparks and built by Brown Brothers Site Services Ltd. under the supervision of Kerry County Council.

Speaking at the launch, Cllr Kelleher welcomed the opening of the park, pointing out that it provides a safe, traffic-free environment for young and old to practise their skateboarding, roller-blading, scooter and BMX skills.

• Wear a helmet

• Wear appropriate clothing & sunblock if necessary

• Ensure your bike is in proper working order e.g brakes, bell etc

• Always cycle on the left

• Obey lane markings

• Ring your bell to kindly alert those whom you are overtaking.

• Overtake in single file

• Expect the unexpected e.g. Wild animals or dogs off leads

• Watch your speed when close to others

• Be courteous & considerate to other users

• Observe signs and information boards

• Leave No Trace concept - Bring home any litter.

• Minimise distractions e.g. earphones, using mobile phones

• Last but not least...ENJOY your cycling experience.

“This is a fantastic facility for young and old, and I would like to express my thanks to everybody who was involved in bringing this to fruition,” he said. “For the young, this will be an area to learn and to watch the more experienced boarders in action and to pick up a few tips and tricks. For parents, a safe, purpose-built venue for the children to spend some excess energy and for the town, yet another amenity for young and old to have fun.

“This has been a long-held dream for many, and as elected representatives, we are delighted to be here, to see this project move from an idea to the drawing board, to the construction phase, and now to the finished product.”