*Let’s Play Cork and the *River Lee Placemaking Network are joining forces to highlight the playful opportunities that are available in the recently pedestrianised Marina in Blackrock in Cork City. The objectives of both inter agency groups is to demonstrate how urban areas can be playful for all groups in society.
With COVID restrictions in place, our urban spaces have never been more popular. We are seeking a connection with nature and the outdoors in this time of social and physical distancing. The pedestrianisation of the Marina has been hugely successful with lots of space for walking, cycling, scooting, running and rowing. But there is scope for so much more. For the next 4 weekends, the public will be afforded the opportunity to observe other uses of this space with a view to developing a playful perspective of this area.
Discover and uncover the beauty and tranquillity of the frequently overseen and underutilised Holland Park. The Park will host a prebooked outdoor yoga class, a tree trail and fly fishing demonstrations. The public are requested to observe with distance and COVID compliance. Semi-permanent chalk stencils will be laid out along the road on the marina inviting everyone to be playful as they engage with the space.
The Salmon and Sea Trout Recreational Anglers will also be fishing in the river, on the Blackrock Pier and demonstrating their casting skills in Holland Park Sundays Oct 18, 25 and Nov 1st from 11am – 3pm . The group welcome new members and queries from the public but request COVID compliant distancing at all times in the area.
Naomhoga Chorchaí and Lee Rowing Club will row on the river and Kinsale Outdoor Education Centre are inviting people with disabilities to engage with, try out and enjoy the River Lee with their wheelchair accessible Inclusion Powerboat. With current restrictions these activities will be available to members only.
There will be an outdoor exhibition of local and maritime history of the area by local historian Councillor Kieran McCarthy and Meitheal Mara; a community boat making project in the city.
The Marina Always Open for Play is asking those who plan to explore the Marina over the next 4 weeks to do so with a playful attitude and lens and to explore the area through water, land and playful activities each Sunday throughout October and November. Angling, Rowing and an Inclusion Powerboat will showcase some fantastic water based activities, while yoga, tree trails and a chalked activity trail will allow you explore this wonderful space.
*Let’s Play Cork and the River Lee Placemaking Group is a collaboration between Cork Local Sports Partnership, Cork Healthy Cities, Cork City Council, Young Knocknaheeny, Meitheal Mara and others interested in playful placemaking on the River Lee.