A determined Donegal family that spearheaded an inclusive playpark in Buncrana said it’s something the entire community can enjoy and be proud of. The Friels opened the ‘Fun For All’ extension at the Buncrana Festival Park earlier this month in loving memory of their brother Gareth. Gareth, a much-loved young man with complex needs, passed away in summer 2022 at the age of 38.
One of the things Gareth got great joy from in life was using a swing. Inspired by Gareth, the Friels have had a very busy year funding and planning the park which very quickly became a reality with the support of Donegal County Council. The Fun For All extension to the Festival Park on Buncrana Shore Front “It’s been great for the family,” says Coreen Robinson, Gareth’s sister.
Seeing families enjoy the games together has been both “emotional and amazing”, she says. “It’s crazy to see a child in a wheelchair on a swing and their wee faces lighting up and their brothers and sisters running around them playing as well. “That’s what’s huge, now a whole family can go to one place and play.
Now we have somewhere for everybody.” The Fun For All Walk in July 2023 It all started with a fundraising walk. On a wet summer’s day in July 2023, a 30-strong team trekked from Malin Head to Buncrana.
Those initial steps quickly snowballed into a larger project, raising an impressive €38,000 for inclusive and sensory play equipment. Every penny was spent on equipment, while Donegal Coun.