During the summer, the residents of Stag Park in Mitchelstown appealed to the public to help them raise €2,500 to get their playground built, and, through the generosity of people at a number of fundraisers and with the help of a generous anonymous donation of €1,000 - their dream became a reality.

To the delight of the residents and people in surrounding areas, the playground, which has been in use for just over a month, was officially opened and Jason O'Connor of Reidy's SuperValu cut the ribbon on the occasion.

Residents, Melissa Rodrigues Arruda and Anthea Craven, spoke about how €2,500 might not seem like a lot, but at the time when they were trying to reach their target, it seemed like climbing a financial mountain, but through the help and support of people, they conquered the challenge and emerged victorious.

"It is so heart warming and encouraging when members of a community flock together and display hope, enthusiasm and effort to make things that may often seem unachievable, a reality.
 
"We are now lucky enough to have a beautiful junior playground in Stag Park, for our children, our grandchildren, and all the children of Mitchelstown alike to enjoy. For now, and for many happy years to come," they said at the launch.

On behalf of the residents, they also thanked everyone who helped to make the playground a part of life in Mitchelstown. They thanked the staff at Ballyhoura, Cork County Council, Reidy's SuperValu who accomodated a bag pack at very short notice, the generous shoppers who supported that bag pack and everyone who supported any of the fundraisers in any way.

Thanks were also extended to Reidy's SuperValu for officially opening the playground and providing refreshments, Courtney Craven and Melissa Rodrigues Arruda for doing make up and face painting, councillors Frank O'Flynn and Kevin O'Keeffe who attended on the day, Ann Jackson who provided lovely baked goods, Josh Cott who was DJ on the day, and all of the people who attended on the day.

At the moment, there are a number of activities running in the community house in Stag Park, including courses on computers for farming, beginner computers, creating a website or blog, cooking on a budget, gardening, Hallowe'en workshops, Christmas wreath making, after school homework clubs and much more.

People from all over Mitchelstown and further afield, are invited to come along to Stag Park, to see what the playground and community house have to offer and for more information, contact Anthea Craven, Stag park Residents Association on 025-86653 or Serena McCarthy Estates Officer with Ballyhoura Development on 087-2071977.

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