"South Dublin’s Social Inclusion Unit
and Parks Department have worked closely with Menni Services in
Tallaght (connected to St. John of God) towards the creation of a
Sensory Garden in Sean Walsh Park which is in the heart of Tallaght.
The design of the garden provides for universal accessibility, so
other visitors to the Park can also enjoy the sensory quality of
space."
"The partnership garden project was
developed in response to a local need to create a Garden for all
Seasons, a garden appealing to all senses, and accessible to
everyone in the community. To advance the Social Inclusion agenda,
it was considered appropriate that the County Council should provide
a dedicated space in one of our parks which provides the opportunity
for persons with physical and intellectual disabilities, to
participate in the creation and upkeep of a visually stimulating
garden."
The project won an award in the category “Innovation
in Developing/Supporting Partnerships" in the St. John of God
Innovation Awards 2010 and the original idea was that the park would
be maintained by students from Menni Services and staff from South
Dublin County Council Parks Department. The maintenance program
lapsed some time ago and the Sensory Garden has become run-down and
something of a weed sanctuary. The photos below demonstrate
how unkempt the garden had become.
In May 2017 some members of the Litter Mug team spent a couple of
hours giving the Sensory Garden a bit of a makeover. Here are some
photos of them in action.
And this was the outcome.
Not perfect but significantly improved.
