COVID-19 and lockdown within 5km again highlighted how badly served Ashbourne is regarding OPEN and PUBLICLY ACCESSIBLE GREENSPACE. Independent research conducted by Future Analytics determined that the town needs a minimum of 80 acres to address the historical and current shortfall in public greenspace. This is not our opinion, this is FACT.
Our nearest green space is a 15min drive away (Balrath Woods) and this was CLOSED during the lockdown. Further impacting the health and well-being of Ashbourne residents, young and old.
The current lands (80 acres) identified for rezoning as public greenspace are perfect, this is a golden opportunity for our town. The park would be situated within 1.5 KM walking distance from almost all of the houses in the town, it would transform Ashbourne and reap rewards in multiple areas of life - personal, health, community, and business.
The park needs an entrance. Lands at Churchfields, gifted to the community by [Redacted_Personal Information], have been identified as most appropriate in this regard - linked to the town centre, schools, main arteries of the town etc. To put houses where this perfect access point exists would be a mistake.