Community event will kickstart plans for major new development
A 5K Fun Run will be held in Bonniconlon on Easter Monday, April 1, to raise funds for a community astroturf and walkway.
A fundraising 5K fun run and walk on Easter Monday will mark the beginning of plans to develop an astroturf pitch and community walkway in the North Mayo village of Bonniconlon.
Members of the local community have come together to devise a plan for the proposed facilities and the event on April 1 next.
Emmett O’Connor is the principal of Bonniconlon National School and is part of a local committee looking to bring the project to fruition. He said the village has seen tremendous growth in the last number of years and now the community wishes to develop a facility to further enhance their local area as well as improve the health and wellbeing of those living there.
“The local school has doubled in size over the last four years," he explained. "We went from a three-teacher school to a five-teacher school. A lot of people are moving to Bonniconlon and a lot of houses are being built. Now we want the facilities in our local area to go along with that growth.”
The proposed astroturf pitch will be equipped with floodlights to enable evening activities and cater to a wide range of sports such as Gaelic games and soccer as well as catering to local groups, both young and old.
The proposed community walkway will incorporate a nature trail to promote biodiversity and will be surrounded by low-level solar lighting for safety and ambiance. The entire facility is to be designed with accessibility in mind, thus ensuring access for people of all ages and abilities. This will include wheelchair access, amenities suitable for people with disabilities, accessible parking, pathways, seating areas, and restroom facilities.
“The walkway and astroturf is going to be a great addition and will go a long way towards enhancing the health and wellbeing of the local community,” said Mr O’Connor. “It will be a huge addition to the school, our local sports clubs, youth groups and to people in our area of all ages.”
The Bonniconlon Community Park Fundraiser 5k Fun Run and Walk takes place on Easter Monday, April 1, at 12 noon with registration at Bonniconlon National School from 11am. The cost is €10 per adult and €5 for schoolchildren. The event is open to all and all monies raised go towards the Community Park project.
