LOCALS and visitors to Mountshannon seeking to keep fit were given a welcome boost this week, when new public outdoor sporting equipment was installed in the Aistear Park.
Five pieces of equipment, which consist of a double air walker, rower, cross trainer, surf board and single rider, were fixed into position in their new home in the Aistear on Wednesday last, much to the delight of locals and visitors.
The amenities formed part of a joint initiative between Mountshannon Community Council, which now runs the Aistear, and the local CE scheme, headed by Tom McNamara. It was made possible after the community council was awarded €3,000 in grant aid, under the Public Area Enhancement Scheme, by Clare County Council.
Speaking about the latest addition to the Aistear Park, John Harvey, chairman of Mountshannon Community Council, said, “We have a playground for the children, so we thought a playground for the adults wouldn’t be out of the question. It was just an extra thing we decided to put in. We had seen them originally in Ballina, where they have several of these along the lake, and we thought they were a great idea, especially for people who are into keeping fit.
“Quite a number of people have been using them already. We have extra people around the village now at the moment because of the eagles, they have brought people around, so it is something extra,” he said.
Work has also begun on a bicycle stand at the park, to facilitate cyclists who might want to lock up their bikes, while visiting the village.
Tom McNamara, head of the local CE scheme, said since the equipment was installed, “the feedback has been very positive”.
A native of Ennis, Colin McGann has been editor of The Clare Champion since August 2020. Former editor of The Clare People, he is a journalism and communications graduate of Dublin Institute of Technology.