Green spaces are vitally important in cities: promoting physical and mental health, biodiversity and providing places to exercise, relax, hold community events, and connect to nature.
Cork City Council is continually exploring opportunities to further increase the provision of green space within the city and is currently working on a number of park projects which will hugely
benefit quality of life across the city. Phase two of Marina Park is under construction and will extend from the Atlantic Pond to Church Avenue in Blackrock. It will include a “nature” zone
accommodating picnic areas, adventure play areas, a preserved marshland and several architectural heritage sites. When completed it will be six times the area of Fitzgerald’s Park.
In Hollyhill, a 100ha site is earmarked for the creation of a new regional park. Cork City Council has appointed a design team to develop an overall plan for this new facility. This new regional park will create green linkages between the city and its hinterland, complementing biodiversity and providing important economic, leisure, health and environmental benefits to the northwest of
the city. The masterplan will include active and passive recreational areas with interconnected spaces including parkland, natural green spaces, ecosystems and greenways. In Blarney, preliminary designs are being prepared to develop Inch Park and to integrate it with planned new pedestrian/cycle facilities in the area.
As well as managing green spaces, Cork City Council works closely with schools and community groups, supporting and advising on local initiatives. They provide materials and manpower to projects like community gardens, educational initiatives, Tidy Towns, and Men’s Sheds.
TIPS FROM OUR BIODIVERSITY OFFICER
Rosemarie McDonald, on how to promote biodiversity at home
TIPS FROM OUR TREE OFFICER
Thomas Kane, on tree planting at home.
