Plans for further expansion unveiled as outdoor fitness park officially opened
Cllr Aengus O’Rourke, Mayor of the Municipal District of Athlone-Moate, has officially launched Phase One of the Athlone Regional Sports Centre’s (RSC) Fitness Park. The park, which was handed over by contractors last September, has proven hugely popular to the public since its opening and a great resource to the community. The fitness park could not have come at a better time while the centre’s main building was closed for indoor activity during recent Covid-19 restrictions.
The outdoor fitness park was developed to increase opportunities for people of any age, level of fitness and ability to feel comfortable exercising and to enjoy a healthy active lifestyle. The fitness park includes the following facilities:
· 2.5km trail with gradients (mix of tarmac with golden gravel)
· 1.5km flatter route (tarmac)
· Outdoor Gym equipment for Adults
· Outdoor equipment for children
· Climbing Pyramid Net
· Small circular Half basketball court
· Petanque Area
· Picnic Area
The fitness park was funded by the Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme through the Department of Rural and Community Development. Matched funding was provided by Westmeath County Council and the Athlone Regional Sports Centre and the total cost of the project was just over €1 million. The consultants on the project was Nicholas de Jong Associates and the contractor was Sole Sports & Leisure.
Liam Cunningham, General Manager of Athlone RSC stated: “We are very grateful firstly to Westmeath County Council for their unwavering support and goodwill in making this project happen and to the Department of Community and Rural Development for what is a brilliant scheme to help communities develop good outdoor recreation projects. Westmeath County Council share our vision of getting more people more active, more often.”
The variety of activities in the fitness park will appeal to all users thus making the park a fantastic social space. The centre is not stopping there and hopes to install more inclusive outdoor gym equipment in 2021 and to secure future funding to develop Phases Two and Three, which will include a family obstacle course and lighting some of the trails so they can be utilised in dark winter evenings.
Additionally, Athlone RSC has developed two brand new 5-a-side astro pitches, placing an emphasis on the surface, which will be one of the only 5-a-side pitches in the country to have a combination of premium level carpet, rubber infill and a shockpad underneath. This makes the surface less impactful for joints and players should have less stiffness or aches after a game as a result. The pitch is now available for bookings.
Situated on the grounds of the Sports Centre and operated by Athlone Regional Sports Centre, the Park is in an ideal setting adjacent to the Old Rail Trail Greenway and accessible by walking or cycling.
Athlone Regional Sports Centre has always seen itself as part of the community and it is a similar theme with the fitness park where the management of the Sports Centre are working with various local groups to enhance the community feel of the park.
Liam Cunningham, General Manager of Athlone RSC explained: “Everything we do is for our community, trying to make our facilities and services better and getting more people active. We have had a fantastic response to the fitness park, and it has been brilliant to see the local community groups getting so involved.”
Athlone Regional Sports Centre reopened for individual training today Monday and is looking forward to welcoming people to the Sports Centre and to the Outdoor Fitness Park.