New Year opening for refurbished playground in Sarsfield Square
Cllr Aengus O'Rourke has confirmed that the newly-refurbished playground in Athlone's Sarsfield Square is largely complete and will be officially opened in the New Year.
“I am delighted for the residents and children of Sarsfield Square, as this project has been in the pipeline for more than two years and like most things, was delayed by Covid. Every resident got behind this project and supported the work of the committee throughout the past two years, and they generously supported the fundraising initiatives.
The equipment in the playground was more than 30 years old, it was long past its best and was not being used by the children in the area.
"Anyone who has ever been involved in a Leader application knows the commitment and the patience needed to bring it to fruition. The process is long and arduous, culminating in an e-tenders process that is very time consuming,” he said.
Cllr O'Rourke in particular thanked Peter Ormond, Community Development Worker, Westmeath Community Development for his constant guidance and encouragement, stating the successful application would not have been possible without him.
He also thanked Linda Jo Quinn from Westmeath Community Development and Annette Barr Jordan, Community Section, Westmeath County Council
“While I supported the Residents Association anyway I could, the two Trojan workers in this particular project were the past Chairman, Chris Barr and Treasurer, Wesley Keogh.
“Wesley was the project driver and he put huge time and effort into this project to see it to completion, so on behalf of the residents I want to sincerely thank him. I also want to recognise the work of Mark Furey who works hard every day in Sarsfield Square to keep the public areas in great shape, I know the residents really appreciate the work that Mark does.
Wesley Keogh said: “This is a great boost for our area, the work to our playground was badly needed, so it is money very well spent. The children in Sarsfield Square will now have a modern, safe and fun place to come where they can enjoy the company of their friends in the fresh air.
He also thanked Cllr O'Rourke and Mr Ormond.
“While we all worked hard to get this over the line, we couldn’t be happier, the hard work has paid off. I would also like to thank the residents of Sarsfield Square who generously supported our GoFund Me initiative, enabling us to meet our contribution requirement for this project.”
Concluding Cllr O'Rourke stated: "We will organise an official opening and invite all the children down when restrictions are eased and when it is safe to do so.”