A public meeting will be held in Oughterard tomorrow evening (Friday ) to discuss new proposals to develop the town’s Corribdale grounds.
The meeting, which will take place in Oughterard Community Centre at 8.30pm, is seeking the community’s views on plans to create a fitness and recreation park
The land is currently managed by the Corribdale grounds committee, which has approved a draft proposal from the local community playground group to develop the existing land and wooded areas into a fitness and recreation park. It is expected the work will be carried out by representatives of several community groups.
A spokesperson for the Corribdale trail steering committee, Sinead Grimes, says the Corribdale grounds in Oughterard is a fantastic amenity for the region.
“There are very few towns that enjoy such a central green facility available for use by the public in the heart of the community. However, the area has a huge potential for recreation and sporting activities, which is currently not being realised.
“The proposed development will provide a range of facilities, which can be used by sporting clubs and individuals of all ages and abilities in order to exercise, play, relax and socialise,” she says.
The “Corribdale Trail” comprises several looped trails, suitable for walking, jogging and biking at beginner or intermediate levels. It is also proposed that one loop will have fitness or outdoor exercise equipment which can be used for circuit training.
The group also hopes to add to the existing children’s playground to accommodate older children, while also incorporating an orienteering course on the grounds.
The group has already started fundraising for the project, in conjunction with Croi and Ironman on September 4. Three local people, schoolteacher Clíodhna Uí Ruadháin, Carna-based doctor Michael Casey, and local businessman Gerry Geoghegan, are taking part in the Ironman competition as a relay team.
The Corribdale trail steering committee will hold a family fun day at the grounds on Saturday September 3 at 1pm.
