The Proposal: Our vision is to bring a highly accessible, self-sustainable, IWAA 8 lane 400m Centre of Excellence athletics Track and Field facility (T&F) within a regional, municipal park equipped with walking/running trails, cycle paths, much needed grassy training grounds for athletic clubs, outdoor gym, sensory gardens, and multipurpose 3G surface pitches to all the communities of East Cork, from Cobh to Watergrasshill, Conna to Ballycotton, Glanmire to Youghal. This amenity, set on a 15-20 acre site, will help facilitate communities, schools and clubs with a safe environment to meet, exercise at your own pace, train with a group/ club and compete at local, county and Munster level.  A facility where wheelchair accessibility is paramount and an inclusive environment a priority. A facility that will nurture friendships for young, old, irrespective of ability.

 

ATHLETIC TRACK AND FIELD OUTLINE DESCRIPTION

  • Athletics track to International World Athletics standard ( 8 lane 400m).
  • Track surface to be one colour, as found to be less confusing for athletes with intellectual disabilities (Special Olympics).
  • Steeplechase and water jump.
  • Floodlighting to allow training on Spring and Winter evenings.
  • Field sports faculties: shot putt, discuss, hammer, javelin, long jump, triple jump, high jump and pole vault.
  • Roofed seated viewing stand with sheltered track lanes for all weather training
  • Clubhouse equipped with hall, kitchen, shared club storage area,
  • Admin area for electronic timing and photo finish viewing
  • Extra rooms to hire out to physios etc
  • Car, bus and bicycle parking 
  • Toilet, shower and changing facilities including wheelchair bed changing facilities
  • Water point.
  • Security perimeter fence            

 

REGIONAL MUNICIPAL PARK FACILITIES

 

Our vision of a regional, municipal park is a green area with rolling hills ( created from the top soil accumulated from the ground clearance) where a park run could be held, cleverly designed to maximise biodiversity through the use of native species.  Depending on the site size we would hope to accommodate as many courts, and multipurpose astro turf sports pitches as possible. We anticipate engaging with local artists and arts institutions to make this park as attractive and creative in every way. 

 

  • Fully lit accessible track perimeter path.
  • Park run loop of 1km ( wheelchair accessible path)
  • Toilet facilities Including wheelchair bed changing facilities
  • Outdoor gym equipment 
  • Green spaces with fully lit walkways
  • Sensory garden
  • Picnic Tables ( wheelchair accessible)
  • Vegetable allotment
  • Biodiversity through planting of native Irish trees and hedges and wetland area
  • Handball alley/Skatepark/ Playground/Tennis courts / Basketball court
  • All weather full size 3G astro turf pitch