A new playground will open in Sarsfield Square in the new year, Athlone Deputy Mayor, Cllr Aengus O’Rourke confirmed this week.
“While there are still a few minor finishing touches required, the newly refurbished playground at Sarsfield Square is largely complete and will be officially opened in the new year. 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.
“So, 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 the presence of Covid-19. The residents were wholly in favour of this project and supported the fundraising initiatives of the committee throughout the past two years.
“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. We would like to give particular thanks to Peter Ormond, Community Development Worker, Westmeath Community Development for his constant guidance and encouragement and genuine interest in supporting and assisting our application as this would not have been possible without him. I would also like to thank Linda Jo Quinn from Westmeath Community Development who supports our Residents Association and Annette Barr Jordan, Community Section, Westmeath County Council for her constant support and guidance,” Cllr O’Rourke stated.
The Athlone Deputy Mayor noted particular persons who deserve due credit for their contribution to the playground project.
“While I supported the Residents Association in any way I could, the two trojan workers in this particular project were the past chairperson, 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,” Cllr O’Rourke remarked.
Treasurer, Wesley Keogh, stated that the welcome addition of a playground to Sarsfield Square would serve as a boost for the children residing in the locality.
“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.
“I would like to thank Cllr Aengus O’Rourke for all his help with this application and Peter Ormond, without their help this would not have happened. 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,” Wesley enthused.
Concluding, Cllr O’Rourke noted that an official playground opening would take place when public health guidance permits such an occasion to occur.
