New equipment at reopened Athenry playground

Volunteers fundraised for renovation works

THE Athenry Community Playground reopened with a blast of fun and laughter on Saturday with the annual Big Day Out event.

Officially opened in 2004, the playground has been renovated to the tune of €176,000, with new equipment set to make the space safer and more enjoyable for children. Volunteers from Athenry Community Playground Group (ACPG) spent over a year fundraising for the required upgrades at the only public playground in Athenry.

Their efforts were then supported by Galway Rural Development (GRD) and Athenry Community Council who worked together to secure almost €123,000 in funding through the LEADER programme 2023-2027.

A further €40,000 was provided by the Galway County Council from the local property tax to be used as match funding for the LEADER grant.

The renovated playground was reopened with a ribbon cutting ceremony by local children at the Big Day Out event. The new equipment includes a medieval castle structure for older kids, a horse themed see-saw, and a new five-way swing set.

“It took us about two years from starting fundraising to get it remodelled,” said Erin Maglione, Chair of ACPG.

“We have a much larger and more functional toddler play area. It’s lower to the ground and is safe and accessible for children of all abilities."

Saturday's event featured local artisans, craftspeople, musicians, food trucks and live music.

The live music was performed by the Bluemoose band along with some local young singers who got a chance to showcase their talents on stage. Families came out to enjoy various activities like circus, yoga workshops, mud kitchen and face painting.

The playground in Athenry is one of the oldest community-owned playgrounds in the county and some of its equipment still needs repairing or replacement.

“We had a great turn out on the day, and we raised enough money to replace the zip line platform and repair the wheelchair roundabout in the playground,” said Erin Maglione.

Athenry Councillor Peter Feneey volunteered on the original committee that played a major role in creating the amenity over 20 years ago.

“It’s a full-circle moment for me. I remember the grand opening in 2004, and have been pleased to see a new group of local parents take an interest in reviving the space,” said Cllr Feeney.