Clare County Council has installed state-of-the-art sports lockers at both Tim Smythe Park and John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road, Ennis which will allow members of the public to access a variety of sports equipment for free.
The project has been delivered by Clare County Council in partnership with Clare Local Sports Partnership (CLSP) to increase participation in different sports at these public parks by making equipment accessible to all.
Sports enthusiasts who enjoy playing sports like soccer, tag rugby, petanque and basketball can avail of two lockers full of sports equipment at Tim Smythe Park, and a third locker at Lees Road. Members of the public can borrow and return sports equipment via an app linked to the locker which is free of charge.
Participants will be invited to scan a QR code on the front of the locker, and then follow the instructions to avail of this innovative sports equipment borrowing system.
The lockers are the first of their kind to be provided in Co Clare, while it is the first time that distributors Playmade have provided such sports lockers in Ireland.
Senior Executive Officer for Killaloe Municipal District and Sport and Recreation, Eoin Troy, said, “This is a fantastic initiative for the public. It’s essentially like having a free sports equipment library right in our parks, where people can easily borrow and return items as they need them.
“By making equipment like basketballs, footballs and rugby balls readily available, we’re opening up opportunities for people of all ages to get active, try something new and enjoy our outdoor spaces. It’s all about accessibility, inclusion and making it easier for everyone – both young and old – to take part in physical activity in a simple, fun way.”
Director of Service for Tourism, Recreation, Libraries and Cultural Services, Clare County Council, Siobhán McNulty, said, “The provision of these sports lockers at both Tim Smythe Park and John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Road highlights our continuing commitment to increasing participation in sport by helping to improve accessibility to sports equipment for use at these local amenities.”
The cost of the lockers has been provided via Participation Nation Funding through the CLSP.