I live in the city centre and I would like to see a public recreation space/park for us residents at the top of the town.
The Nature conservation designations map attached to the Draft development plan shows a number of areas designated health and well being. However closer investigation shows that the majority of these are not accessible for the general public to access for recreation as they are owned/run by sports clubs or schools.
I would love to see these two pieces of land being developed as a public park with facilities for all ages, from a playground, skate park, walking paths, an outdoor gym, perhaps even a stretch tent structure which could be used as an area for yoga, movement classes for older people, community social events. Such a park could also lend itself as a venue for events re health and well being such as those provided by Waterford Sports Partnership. I could also see it being used for group walks like the Operation Transformation walks which could bring both health benefits as well as building community and reducing social isolation.
This land is surrounded by areas designated for interventions to improve health and well being under the Sláintecare Healthy Communities Programme.
It should also be noted that many of us who live in the city centre do not have cars so having a multi purpose recreation space within walking distance would add to our quality of life and well being.
Some of this land was used as allotments in the past and perhaps consideration of an allotment as park of the development should also be considered. It would also add to people's health and well being and helps reduce social isolation.