At the end of May, Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum marked another important milestone in its ongoing mission to make one of the counties true amenity jewels more inclusive, accessible, and welcoming for people of all abilities with the launch of two new all-terrain wheelchairs.
Speaking at the launch, the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Cllr. Mary Hilda Cavanagh said, “These specialised state-of-the-art wheelchairs are designed for freedom. They allow visitors who may have faced mobility challenges to explore the forest trails, the gardens, the river walks, and the wider Victorian landscape of Woodstock with confidence and comfort.”
On the day, a big welcome was given to staff and service users from Aurora Kilkenny who were in attendance to try out the new wheelchairs, and Mr. David Holloway praised the move, stating “This was an excellent initiative, and along with the other interventions across the gardens, it really makes Woodstock Gardens accessible and enjoyable for a wide range of people with varying needs.”
Frank Stafford, Senior Engineer with the Kilkenny County Council Parks Department, noted that the project is part of a sustained long-term commitment to the gardens, commenting “Since 2018, a capital investment of over €1.3 million has been made across the estate through various funding streams with a primary focus on improved accessibility and inclusivity.” He also added, “It has been a remarkable six months for Woodstock Gardens having won two national awards: a LAMA Award for Best Inclusive Public Realm & Accessibility Project, and a Chambers Ireland Excellence in Local Government Award under the Heritage and Built Environment category.”
Booking Information:
The all-terrain wheelchairs are available to the public completely free of charge. To ensure availability and avoid disappointment, visitors are strongly advised to book a wheelchair in advance of their visit. Bookings can be made by contacting the Parks Department at: Email: woodstockparkranger@kilkennycoco.ie or Alternative Email: parks@kilkennycoco.ie .
