THE €1 MILLION reopening of Kylemore Park in Ballyfermot yesterday was a proud day for the local community.
Locals came together 15 years ago to lobby for a public park in a drive to combat anti-social behaviour in the area.
Ken Moore, chair of the Kylemore Action Group said that the area was once plagued with anti-social behaviour, underage drinking, drug-taking and vandalism.
“It just became sort of the HQ for the local brain-dead squad as we call them,” Mr Moore said.
“It’s a great place to live in, Ballyfermot, there’s great community spirit. So we said let’s take back what belongs to us.”
Lord Mayor of Dublin Emer Costello officially opened the park following a nine-month refurbishment by Dublin City Council. She said that what was once an “anti-social black spot” had been turned into an inspiration for other communities around Dublin.
“It’s really handing a place, which was a problematic area, back to the community . . . this will be the focal point for really positive activities,” she said.
Joe Kenny from Ballyfermot Drive, who has five children, said the park was a great addition to the area. “It’s great for them. At least I know where they are and they’re off the street. I was brought up here, I was reared here. I was up here every day in the summer when I was a young fella and then it just fell to bits. So it’s really great to see it regenerated.”
His daughter, nine-year-old Nicole agreed: “I think it’s great. Me and my brother and sisters always have fun playing in here.”
The refurbished park includes a floodlit five-a-side astroturf pitch, a basketball/football surface, a boules area, slides, climbing frames and landscaping.