St Patrick’s Day brought a mix of fun, festivities, music and thankfully more sunshine than rain to Blackrock! Blackrock Park was the venue for the Leprechaun Chase where 4 Leprechauns did their best to stay ahead of marauding hordes of two under 6 groups and one over 6 group! The Scavenger Hunt kicked off at the same time. In total there were 500 registered kids and 1,500 parents, grandparents and friends soaking up the atmosphere. In the midst of it all, St Patrick did his best to keep the snakes out of the Park and mingled freely with the crowd chatting to parents and kids alike.

The second part of the festival took place in Blackrock Village, with goody bag distribution, followed by music from the Comhaltas Group, Aiteal, Bríd Lyons of the School of Rock, and finally the Blackrock Ukulele Group. Rachel Moore from the Kids’ Entertainment Agency put on a mix of magic and story telling in Urban Junction which had the kids enthralled. In the meantime, the face painters were hard at work in Blackrock Market! Overall it was a great day and we were blessed by some lovely mild weather.

Special thanks are due to:

• Urban Junctionand Belinda Briggs for so generously giving us the use of the building for the day.
• Blackrock Athletics Cluband its captain Paul Hunt for their tireless efforts in making the day a success.
• Our colleagues in the Blackrock Business Networkfor being front and centre in all the preparations and delivery on the day.
• Blackrock Tidy Towns Groupand Chairman Marie Baker for cleaning up on Friday afternoon after all the fun and games.
• The donors of prizesfor the Scavenger Hunt – 3 Leaves, El Cellar, Lebanese Tapas, Korean Burrito, Dubray Books, Marion’s Red Door, Ricky Retro.

All our sponsors, without whom this day would not have been possible.

Temporary Teen Space:

A temporary teen space has been developed between the Martello Tower and works compound site. This consists of a basketball court with playful/engaging markings, seating and a pump track. The pump track will be open in the coming weeks once the grass starts to establish and certification is confirmed.

New Play Area:

A contract has been awarded for a new natural play area to replace the out of date playground adjacent to the bandstand. It is anticipated that the works will commence in June/July 2023 because of the long lead-in times for the equipment.

Steps:

Tenders have just been invited for works to the existing steps which need a full upgrade with new steps, tactile paving and handrails. DLR are hoping that works will commence in July 2023 (long lead in on materials also).

Pavilion Kiosk & Public Toilets:

A Grade 1 Conservation Architect recently completed a feasibility study for the use of the pavilion kiosk, a Protected Structure. DLR have sought grant funding through the Historic Structures Fund and they will know if they are successful at the end of March 2023. If they are successful with the grant funding, they are hoping to proceed with a Part 8 (planning process) later this year.

Boules:

Quotes have just been sought for a boules court which will be developed adjacent to the Pavilion Kiosk. It is hoped that works can take place in April 2023.