New addition to Lough Boora Parklands set to be unveiled
There's a new addition to Lough Boora Parklands set to be unveiled later this month.
A new peaceful, enclosed sensory garden, entitled An Portach Ciuin @ Lough Boora (The Quiet Bog) will be officially opened on June 24 at 12 noon.
Lough Boora Parklands is a family friendly environment with a host of free activities for all ages.
It is envisaged that the quiet, contemplative space will become a popular area within the parklands. By directly engaging with and being in nature, this space will offer opportunities for a quiet time to all visitors. Visitors will be able to indulge in reflection, contemplation, connection, restoration and the opportunity to promote and maintain psychological, physical and spiritual health and wellbeing.
This sensory space will be a freely accessible area for children and adults of all abilities, those experiencing serious illness (physical and mental) and those who simply want a few quiet moments for themselves.
The area consists of an enclosed play area, a picnic area with bespoke items of garden furniture constructed from upcycled materials with some native tree planting taking place this past spring. It also consists of a series of pathways/ walking trails which terminate at two viewing platforms overlooking a beautiful small lake.
The importance of this project to the community cannot be overstated, the project co-ordinate believe.
The contend that wellbeing is more than the absence of disease, it encompasses optimal physical and mental functioning with resilience, positive emotional experiences and overall life satisfaction. An Portach Ciuin aims to provide this experience to its visitors.
The project steering group consistes of Leamore Leabeg Boora Development Company, Kilcormac Development Association, Bord Na Mona & Offaly County Council.
The group said it is extremely grateful for the financial support which has come from the LEADER Programme through Offaly Local Development Company, project promoters Leamore Leabeg Boora Development Company; from CLÁR; Tullamore & St. Brigid Credit Unions; Brady Shipman Martin Architects; Bord na Mona and Offaly County Council through various grant schemes. It also acknowledged the Collins family, private donors who made all of this possible with a donation of funds to kick-start the project.