Every week, Knockdoemore Park near Claregalway is home to almost 2,000 people running, walking, stretching, jumping. The players of Claregalway GAA train and play on the three pitches; the young athletes of Clare River Harriers jump and run in one corner; walkers and joggers use the floodlit and gravelled 1km circuit to build up fitness; the scouts practise their routines and learn their skills in another corner.
As a community hub, it is unparalleled — but the vast park has remained an open, exposed space. From this weekend, this is all set to change with a unique fundraising initiative that will benefit the health of the community and the strength of its environment. ,
The local clubs who use Knockdoemore Park as their base are clubbing together this weekend in an effort to continue to develop the facility. To celebrate National Tree Planting Week (March 4-11 ), they are holding a “Plantathon” and will plant 5,000 trees, shrubs, and hedging around the border of the park. This will develop the local ecosystem, increases the aesthetic of the area and will see this space become an attractive area for local families to play, walk/run in and enjoy.
The backers of the project are this week reaching out to local families, club members, businesses, and the wider community to help cover base costs involved.
“The people who will benefit from our initiative are the clubs based at Knockdoemore: Claregalway GAA, Clare River Harriers, 12th Galway Scouts, Trad-Tastes traditional music Turloughmore and Lackagh Foróige, as well as the hundreds of families, walkers, and runners who use the lit pathway throughout the year in safety and away from the ever intensifying traffic on the local roads,” says chairman John Morrin.
“Our initiative is supported by the Tree Council of Ireland and the Heritage Board; the planting is being planned and supervised by Tony Clarke, experienced horticulturist, with the physical work being undertaken by club volunteers and the youth of the area.
“In return for a contribution of €20 for a family or €10 per individual a tree and or hedging plants will be planted in your name; your name will be listed on a plaque which will be located in the club house, as well as being listed on the websites. You can book your tree online on; www.plantathon.com “We know how important the local community is in supporting these local initiatives. Our clubs and their many hundreds of local members from the Claregalway, Lackagh and Carnmore areas, truly appreciate the help the local community are giving in this initiative. Any surplus funds raised will be reinvested in the local clubs,” he said.
The sales desks to pre-purchase trees will be open at the Knockdoemore Clubhouse from 6pm to 8.30pm each evening this week.
If you wish to purchase and plant the trees with your family, you can come along with your family on Saturday March 10 from 11am to 4pm. Or even if you wish to plant a tree for Mother’s Day , there will be a special planting session on Sunday March 11 from 10 to 12noon
For details contact John Morrin at 087-2510654 or see www.plantathon.com
