The €176,000 renovation replaced all major equipment with new play structures and safety surfacing, playing into Athenry’s medieval heritage with a large castle climbing frame, horse themed see-saw, and natural wood throughout.
The joint project between Athenry Community Playground Group and Athenry Community Council received funding from Galway Rural Development, Galway County Council, and local donors.
“Completing this phase has been a huge morale boost for the town, but we’re not done yet,” said Erin Maglione, chairperson of Athenry Community Playground Group.
The twenty-year-old playground still has equipment that needs repairing, which the volunteer group hopes the Big Day Out will help raise funds for. The event will raise money to replace the zipline platform, repair the wheelchair roundabout, and install a covered seating area.
Last year, the community event saw over 1,000 people and raised funds for the renovation of Athenry playground. This year, the event will mark its grand reopening.
The Big Day Out will fill Athenry Town Park on Saturday from noon to 4:00 p.m. with a makers mart, food trucks, and live music from local artists like Sinead Murphy, Philip Joyce, and more. A ribbon cutting to open the renovated playground will also take place, with the community encouraged to participate.
Local councillor Peter Feeney volunteered on the original committee twenty years ago, and played a major role in creating the amenity.
“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,” he said.
For a ticket, children and families can enjoy activities hosted by Athenry Playground Group, including circus performances from Fishy ‘n Dishy, Ultraflex dance workshops, storytelling, art workshops, crazy golf, Music with Miss Dolly, face painting, and more.
The playground group received grant funding from Galway County Council and Creative Ireland to have Drumadore and yoga workshops for teens and families at the event.
Tickets (€15 per child and €5 for adults) can be purchased at athenryplayground.ie. All proceeds will go toward the continued renovation of the playground.
“Seeing so many families, local businesses, and volunteers come together to support this project has been inspiring,” said Kim Somers, owner of Ultraflex Dance. “We’re proud to have played a part in something that will benefit Athenry for years to come.”
