Mayor of Waterford City and County Cllr. Joe Conway attended a unique project in Portlaw to launch the Community Playful Streets Programme.
Community Playful Streets are being rolled out through the Waterford City and County Council section under initiatives from the Healthy Ireland strategy.
This was one of Mayor Conway’s first outings since recently being elected and he said, “I was privileged to have been asked to come to the Playful Streets evening in Portlaw. I met a great bunch of children and their enthusiastic parents, all of whom responded engagingly with Waterford Council’s espousal of the initiative.”
“The main thrust of “Playful Streets” is to get children to play together safely outdoors – and leaving the couches, TVs, phones and video games to one side. In doing so, we will build a stronger, more inclusive, child-friendly community. We hope in the Council to have many more such events in the coming months all over the city and county. Special endorsement for all those parents and helpers who cooked with smashing BBQ food and monitored activities.”
Cllr. Declan Clune was delighted to the response of the community saying, “we are really happy how the event went. We would like this to be a regular event now and give areas a further sense of belonging and knowing your neighbour.”
Resident association member, Leanne Simpson was also delighted with the response, saying, “we didn’t expect such a response, the street came alive with activity and people came from everywhere to lend a hand. I would like to thank Eamon O Leary our estate manager, the mayor, our local councillor Declan Clune, and most importantly the residents and children who took part. Our chef Philip kept the crowds full and looking for more.”
Eoin Morrissey from Waterford City and County Council Community Section added, “over 15 events are planned with many completed already this summer. It’s a great way for community to work on a project together which is manageable and shows the benefits of play and social interaction as well as several other tangible benefits.”
Source: Waterford City & County Council
