Ward River Valley Regional Park
Shaping the future of Ward River Valley with the people of Swords
Ward River Valley is a much-loved green corridor in Swords, Co. Dublin, and plans are underway to develop it as a regional park. Working with DFLA and Fingal County Council Parks Department, A Playful City designed and delivered a community consultation in spring 2026 to share emerging plans and gather local views to inform the next stage of design.
The consultation focused on three areas:
The Landscape Masterplan
The Tree Strategy Masterplan
Elements of the Northern Recreational Hub
Who we engaged
We created tailored approaches for two very different groups.
Local community groups. Eight representatives from local organisations joined an information briefing at Fingal County Council’s offices in February 2026, followed by a walk and talk through the park. Groups taking part included:
Swords Woodland Association
Knocksedan Community Garden
Swords Manor Residents Association
Swords Tidy Towns
B.A.S.E. (Brackenstown Adult Scene of Education)
Children from St Cronan’s Primary School. Pupils from 3rd to 6th class took part through a specially designed worksheet pack, with separate versions for younger and older classes. Each class walked the park and then recorded what they saw, heard and felt, along with their ideas for paths, signage, seating and new trees. Due to winter flooding and poor conditions in the valley, the walks took place in April.
What we heard
From community groups
Local groups are deeply invested in the valley and its care. They told us that any changes, particularly the removal of existing trees, need clear communication and genuine consultation to keep local trust. A proposed cycle bridge drew mixed views: valued for connectivity, but with concerns about its impact on the natural setting. Groups also raised questions about access points, opening hours and lighting, as well as the need for changing rooms and a recreation hub for community activities. Following the session, Swords Woodland Association shared images of recent storm and flood events, highlighting concerns about flooding and future development.
Children brought energy, imagination and sharp observation. They want a park that is:
Active and social, with play areas, obstacle courses, picnic spots, music and festivals
Accessible, with smoother paths and ramps for wheelchairs and buggies
Well cared for, with a clean river, more bins and better dog waste management
Full of nature, with bug hotels, wildlife trails and fruit trees like cherry, apple, hazel and strawberry tree
Easy and fun to explore, with clear signs, distance markers for running, and interactive features such as QR codes
This project shows how engagement can be shaped around the people taking part. Community groups had space to raise sensitive issues, such as tree removal and flood risk, directly with the design team. Children, who are rarely asked about park planning, shared practical and creative ideas that are now feeding into the masterplan.
Partners: Fingal County Council Parks Department, DFLA
Location: Ward River Valley, Swords, Co. Dublin
Date: February to May 2026