Limerick Sports Partnership are pleased to announce an exciting collection of physical activity enhancements for O’Brien Park. These new facilities are developed under the “Active Cities” initiative, in partnership with Limerick City & County Council and Limerick Sports Partnership. The latest additions include a full-size basketball court, an outdoor volleyball area, and cutting-edge Teqball and table tennis tables. These amenities accompany the inclusive playground upgrade completed in O’Brien Park in September.
Accompanying these offerings is the installation of BoxUp equipment lockers, designed to further the park's versatility for participants and enthusiasts alike. Stocked with equipment to complement the park, these lockers are free to use and can be accessed through the BoxUp app. This app does not require a credit card link, which makes this facility more inclusive and accessible. To sign up to the BoxUp app, you will be required to upload relevant photo ID i.e. driving licence, passport or social services card.
The BoxUp app will allow you to open one of six lockers to access sports equipment for your use in the park. The equipment can be used for up to 3 hours and must then be returned to the relevant locker. When equipment is returned to the locker, you must take a photograph while the app is open to verify that the equipment has been returned, and this uploaded photo will lock the relevant locker once again.
These amenities, aimed at promoting active lifestyles and fostering community engagement, are made possible through the Active Cities Project. Funded by Sport Ireland through the Dormant Accounts Fund, this project aims to help shape recreational spaces across the city, encouraging participation and improving accessibility. Additional funds for the O’Brien Park development were provided by Sláintecare Healthy Communities and Healthy Ireland.
Pat Quigley, Active Cities Officer with Limerick Sports Partnership, commented:
“Limerick Sports Partnership are very pleased to be working with Limerick City & County Council on this project. The aim of Active Cities is to increase the number of active spaces throughout the city and to provide a diverse range of opportunities for everyone to take part. This development provides the only public outdoor basketball court in the city, as well as offering a variety of options for other activities in the park.
The BoxUp lockers provide equipment for basketball, volleyball, table tennis, and Teqball, as well as outdoor gym equipment and activator poles. It is all free of charge, so we encourage people to come along, download the BoxUp app, and give it a try.”
Carmel Lynch, Senior Engineer with Limerick City & County Council, added:
“The Council are delighted to be working in collaboration with Limerick Sports Partnership on introducing sports facilities into our local parks. The inclusion of sporting facilities in public parks ensures that physical activity is available to all our citizens, encouraging social interaction and greatly enhancing the offering in our Parks.”
Phelim Macken, Manager of Limerick Sports Partnership commented:
“The Board of Limerick Sports Partnership have a strategic perspective for the provision of sport and physical activity throughout Limerick. This initiative greatly enhances our provision of physical activity opportunities in local communities. The BoxUp concept is very innovative in complementing and facilitating physical activity opportunities afforded by the new amenities.”