Renewed fundraising for Ballina Sensory Park
Pictured at the fundraising coffee morning for Ballina Sensory Park in Grub Deli and Grocer last Saturday were, frnot row: Oscar, Arthur, and Nicole O'Malley. Back row: Muiriosa O'Malley, Edel Gallagher and Patricia Granahan. Picture: John O'Grady
The Ballina Sensory Park has proved a big hit since phase one was opened to the public in early December and now local support is sought to complete phase two of the ambitious project.
The first phase was launched by Ballina Community Clean-Up on December 2 last following over nine months of work on site done by volunteers who collectively donated thousands of hours of their time to help bring Ballina Sensory Park to fruition and with thanks to a number of local groups who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure the work was complete to the highest standard.
Phase two will be completed over the coming months and will see further additions being made to the park, which is already proving a haven for all to come and enjoy. It has particularly been a boon to neurodivergent children from the local area and those coming into Ballina from neighbouring towns and villages to make use of the unique experiences.
Ballina Sensory Park is located at Sligo Road, on the banks of the River Moy at Tom Ruane Park, where the ABC Park is also situated, ensuring that all children and people with disabilities can enjoy activities that suit their needs, all in one location.
The park was designed with inclusivity at its core and visitors have been met with interactive experiences where they can relax in a serene and beautiful environment.
The second phase promises to deliver even more but inflated construction costs since the project first began in 2021 means that additional fundraising is needed to complete the facility.
Local individuals and businesses are being asked to contribute if they are in a position to do so and there are several fundraisers planned. A coffee morning held in Grub last Saturday morning proved a huge boost to the project’s ambitions.
A Last Man Standing Competition with a €1,000 prize for the lucky winner has been launched. More information is available on the Ballina Community Clean-Up Facebook page.
To make a donation towards the Ballina Sensory Park, please visit idonate.ie/BallinaSensoryPark
