dlr opens two new inclusive play spaces in Ballinteer & Deansgrange

The newly opened inclusive play spaces at Meadowbrook Ludford, Ballinteer, and Clonkeen Park, Deansgrange were officially launched this week by Cllr Jim Gildea, Cathaoirleach of Dún Laoghaire‑Rathdown County Council. Both sites feature a wide range of accessible and inclusive play elements designed to encourage adventure, fun, social connection and engagement with nature.

Both locations were identified in the dlr Play Policy 2023–2028 as areas with limited access to play. The Policy sets out goals and actions to enhance inclusive, accessible play opportunities for children and young people across the county.

Designed with the community

The play spaces were developed following extensive public consultation with local schools, youth groups, community organisations and residents. Feedback from these consultations directly shaped the final designs, and full reports are available on Citizen Space.

Meadowbrook Ludford Play Space

Located at the corner of Ludford Drive and Acorn Road, an area already home to a MUGA, paddle courts, astro pitches and the dlr Leisure swimming pool, the new play space includes both junior and main play areas.

Junior Area features:

• Accessible sand play area with sand house and crane
• Embankment slide, tunnel and rope climber
• Sensory play panels
• Living willow dome
• Balance beams, sitting poles and swings

Main Area features:

• Bespoke “mill unit” inspired by the historic Pembroke Estate mill race and the nearby Wyckham Stream
• Accessible trampoline and orbit
• 5‑way swing set and hammock
• Willow tunnel, spinner and communication board

The wildlife theme reflects the natural heritage of the former Pembroke Estate.

Clonkeen Park Inclusive Play Space

The much‑anticipated Clonkeen Park Play Space is located beside the BMX track near Meadowvale Tennis Courts. It transforms what was previously a seasonal green space into a year‑round, intergenerational play destination. The design is themed around natural play, local wildlife and adventure. An agility trail requested by children during consultation has also been installed near Meadowvale Pitches.

Junior Area includes:

• Large sand pit with slide
• Crocodile bench
• Tipi and sand sieve
• Multi‑play unit with inclusive springers and sensory items
• Toddler cradle swings and parent‑and‑toddler swing.

Main Play Area includes:

• Climbing hexagon
• Variety of swings (nest, flat and accessible)
• Willow tunnel
• Agility trail
• Communication & IDS boards
• Rotating bowl
• Ability trampoline
• Accessible roundabout
• Embankment slide with lookout hut
• Skyrider, an inclusive basket zipline, part‑funded by the dlr Sports & Disability Officer.

The space also provides accessible picnic tables, benches, and parking for bikes, scooters and cargo bikes.

Nature & Biodiversity

The play space features locally sourced tree logs and boulders, a wildflower meadow using seed collected from Marlay Park, and a biodiversity zone. Over 50 native and non‑native trees will be planted this spring to support wildlife and climate resilience.