The Parks Department was set up to oversee the development and maintenance of recreational amenities in Kilkenny City and County. Since its establishment the Parks Department has delivered a range of high quality recreational amenities including playgrounds, parks and sports pitches that are used by people of all ages. The Parks Department is also responsible for on-going developments, visitor management and maintenance of Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum in Inistioge which has become a major tourist attraction in the south east.

 

Woodstock House & Gardens welcomed over 35,000 visitors.

 

The main achievments were are as follows:

• Development and maintenance of County Council operated playgrounds in conjunction with local communities and FAS groups. Currently there are 15 Kilkenny County Council operated playgrounds around the county.
• There was a playground extension carried out in Garringreen, adjacent to Hebron Park in Kilkenny City.
• 5 outdoor fitness areas were installed to complement existing playgrounds. These were located at Kilkenny City, Callan, Thomastown, Castlecomer and Ferrybank.
• The redevelopment of Lacken Walk which forms part of the River Nore Linear Park.
• Development of further path networks in Newpark Marsh.
• The provision of a walking/running track in Bishops Demesne adjacent to the Fr. McGrath Centre in Kilkenny City.
• On-going leasing of numerous pitches in the city and environs. These pitches are leased out to clubs for training and matches.
• Woodstock Gardens Project - Since the historic Victorian gardens at Woodstock were restored over the past ten years they have become a major tourist destination in the south east and now attract in the region of 35,000 visitors per year. The Council continues to organise events, promote and manage visitors coming to the gardens in addition to carrying out high quality maintenance.
• Adoption of Parks bye-laws for all recreational areas which are owned by the County Council to ensure that they can be used by members of the public in an appropriate and safe manner.

 

In 2011 The Council provided amenity grants to 90 local community groups