CLARISFORD Park in Killaloe is celebrating its first birthday after making headlines throughout the year.
The development of the park was a mammoth effort by the Killaloe Ballina community, who came together to do something about the lack of outdoor amenities in the area.
The new facility has seen the development of new groups in the locality, and is now the ‘Community Sports Hub’ for Co Clare.
The 200 acre site has already scooped multiple accolades, including a National Planning Award for ‘Opportunity & Empowerment’ 2016 (Irish Planning Institute).
It’s also in line for a 2017 Community Council Awards, the winner of which will be announced early next year.
The 10 hectare site has a running track, a parkland, playing pitches and an indoor pavilion.
Clarisford Park was originally part of the Bishop’s Palace, a historical site dating from the 18th century.
The park is also designated as a prime wildlife conservation area in Ireland and Europe.