1st Post.......Bayside Boules .....the background.


Welcome to the new Bayside Boules Blog from Alden Park.  The new facility has been installed by Fingal Co. Co. in October 2019.

The identified site was, in the dim, distant past a tarmac area purported to be for 'Tennis'.  Some of the earliest residents remember a 'net' but certainly not for decades.  It has lain derelict and unused for many years with an accumulation of broken glass and rusty nails [ from bonfires].  

A small group of neighbours did a park clean up during the summer and identified this area as a possible site for a Boules / Petanque area particularly for the use of the active, aging population in the district.  

This clean-up was inspired by the trojan work carried out by the Bayside Community Association most particularly the re-vamp of the Lamb-Chop Park.  Following consultation with their Association, we made a proposal to Fingal Co. Co. and with the active support of Cornelia Raftery, a Parks Superintendent in Fingal Co.Co., the fruits of our labour are to be seen in the new facility in Alden Park.

The majority of the houses were built in the 1970's and are owner occupied since then meaning many of the adult population are retired and might make use of an age-appropriate facility.

The hope is to gradually introduce the game to the general public, especially the retirees in this area, and if the numbers increase we hope to timetable some slots in the mornings and leave others free for 'first come / first served' in the afternoons.

Should the facility become over-subscribed we will encourage other areas to seek a similar facility for their region.  We will also discourage players from driving to the facility but rather to walk, if possible, and to be considerate of the local population, if parking.

Thus far, weather permitting, introductory sessions, supported by players from the St. Anne's Group, are happening most Sat. mornings from 10:30.  Some temporary notices are posted in Alden Park.

The local primary schools may, in time, with appropriate plastic/lighter boules may be interested in early afternoon slots prior to school closure.




Village Boules in France.
Village Petanque/Boules in France.


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