Aisling District Park

Aisling Park was completed and officially opened in July 2006.  It is located in a local authority estate and incorporates major new recreational elements including all-weather pitches, play areas and a skate park.  Two pieces of public art were commissioned for the park and this practice collaborated closely with the artists to create a stunning entrance gate and an intriguing Sleeping Giant sculpture in three pieces (the Giant’s head, hands and feet in corten steel extrude from the three hills on the site).

The park is now in its establishment phase, and has been well-received by the local community and media and significantly improves the quality and availability of outdoor amenities in the area.

A 12 acre disused dumping ground has now been transformed into a public park providing a welcomed amenity in the heart of this residential part of Dundalk.  Dundalk District Council have been in talks to develop this area for over four years and finally the project has come to fruition.  The design of the park enhances the natural characteristics of the undulating topography while integrating these with local community and activity based mixed facilities and amenities.

Aisling Park offers the following facilities;

• An exciting children’s playground with a wide range of multi-use pieces of equipment accommodating for 3-8 and 8-12 years of age group.  The high activity play area provides various swings, slides, springers, roundabout, climbing frame and challenging obstacle course.   The playground incorporates all the relevant safety standards along with imaginatively designed coloured rubber tiled safety surface, all enclosed by a secure fence.
• A managed 5 a side all weather pitch suitable for all contact sports, football, soccer, hockey etc. and all age groups. The pitch is floodlit with a rebound perimeter fence along with a spectator tarmac path surrounding the area.
• An adventurous skateboard and BMX facility providing a durable multifunctional activity zone for teenagers and young adults.  It is the first of its kind in County Louth.
• Circuitous tracks for jogging and mountain bike cycling following the natural undulating topography and providing access to the highest points.  There is no provision for quad biking.
• The Irish name ‘Aisling’ translates to ‘dream’, hence introducing sculptural features representing a sleeping giant underground with body parts emerging at the three highest viewing platforms over the Mourne Mountains
• A detailed landscape design incorporating the above facilities and provision of a large open space with benches for general informal recreation.
• A natural ecological landscape design encouraging flora and fauna while incorporating the aforementioned.
• There is a network of pedestrian paths providing access throughout this area and connecting all entrance points.  The main entrance is a sculptural feature in itself reflecting a mythical entrance into a land of fantasy, fun and adventure.
• The boundary treatment includes a secure plinth wall and railing lined with avenue trees.  Gates will  allow for restricted access and will be managed and locked by Dundalk Town Council.