Town park ‘hopscotch’ proposal from McCourt

Plans for a painted hopscotch feature in Mullingar Town Park are being considered as part of ongoing upgrade works aimed at encouraging children’s outdoor play.

The proposal was raised at the May meeting of the Municipal District of Mullingar Kinnegad by Cllr Julie McCourt, who said parents had suggested introducing simple recreational markings to make the park more engaging for children.

In response, the district office said work on developing the town park is continuing and confirmed that upgrade works are planned for the rotary playground at the Austin Friars Street end of the park. Officials said hopscotch markings would be considered as part of the wider works programme.

Cllr McCourt welcomed the suggestion, saying it would help promote more active outdoor play among children.

Broken fence

Also on foot of representations by Cllr McCourt, the district is to write to the owner of a damaged fence opposite the entrance to Educate Together National School.

Cllr McCourt raised concerns about the condition of the fence, which she said has been down since recent storm damage and remains in place, creating what she described as an unsightly appearance in a prominent area.

Water fountains

A further request by Cllr McCourt was that the district place drinking water fountains where possible at the lake shores and along the greenway. To that, the response was that the district would examine a possible funding source, but that a number of fountains have already been installed in Mullingar.