Following the successful completion of phase 1, phase 2 of the Blackrock Park Masterplan is under construction. The proposals for phase 2 include; extensive seating, new tree, hedge and herbaceous planting, a new adventure play space, the restoration of the historic steps, improved connections with the town, the restoration of the kiosk (a Protected Structure) as a park tearoom and public toilets. The original phase 2 of the Blackrock Park Masterplan comprised the development of a skills zone in a derelict area in the park. Due to the BusConnects project requiring this as a site compound until at least Q4 2025, this project has been brought into phase 3. A masterplan was developed in 2020 which included comprehensive public consultation and engagement. Details of this masterplan and the associated supporting documents can be found at the following link – https://www.dlrcoco.ie/parks-outdoors/parks-plans-and-policies
The following aims and objectives are guiding the development of phase 2;
1 Develop the facilities in partnership with key stakeholders and empower the local community to drive the project.
2 Introduce a strong connection with the town while improving access generally for all park users.
3 Remove the redundant structures and develop high-quality inclusive facilities appropriate in a park classified as a Regional Park.
4 Faithfully restore the Protected Structure for modern use as a park tearooms.
5 Introduce nature-based solutions including additional tree canopy cover, wild areas and encourage biodiversity throughout the park.
Phase 2 of the Blackrock Park Masterplan is on-going with various different elements under construction or due to commence as follows;
Adventure Play Space:
Works to create an inclusive, adventure play space were complete in October 2023. This new amenity consists of a senior play area and an adjacent toddler space. The senior play area has been woven around existing trees and planting. The use of natural play element such as mounding, logs and boulders helps to enclose the area and stitch it into the park landscape. Other play elements include; an anchor play element in the form of a brent goose, an agility course, a small, enclosed play area, a swing piece, an accessible sand play area, willow tunnels and teepees. The toddler play area is enclosed and feature a large, sand play area with play elements integrated, a swing set, picnic benches and park benches. There are bike stands provided beside the toddler area.
Historic Steps Restoration:
These works include the complete restoration of the historic steps. This set of steps connect the kiosk at the top of the hill and the bandstand, main park area at the bottom. The steps are a key feature of the park. As well as a circulation route, it offers a great vantage point over the bandstand and Dublin Bay. The existing steps were made up of a mix of old, granite kerbs, insitu and precast concrete. All old granite kerbs are to be retained for use elsewhere in the park. The new works will include the installation of new, high quality, solid, cut granite treads, plinth details and paving. These works are scheduled to be complete by Q2 2024.
New Planting & Seating:
New seats have been installed throughout the entire park at suitable locations. These are high quality benches fitted with backrests and armrests. Extensive tree, hedge, bulb and herbaceous planting have recently been undertaken at Phoenix Terrace to strengthen the sense of arrival to the park and integrate some recent interventions into the setting. These works were complete in Q1 2024.
Historic Kiosk:
It is proposed to faithfully restore the historic kiosk structure in Blackrock Park which is located inside the Mount Merrion Avenue entrance. Its visibility to passing traffic makes it a well-recognised building and synonymous with Blackrock Park. The structure itself is a unique design with a distinctive roof profile. It sits in a very prominent position, highly visible from passing traffic on the Rock Road and commanding attention from park users and daily Dart passengers below. Works to re-purpose this building as a park tearooms are scheduled to commence in Q3 2024 for completion in Q2 2025.
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