Athlone RSC to open new basketball court in fitness park upgrade

By Rebekah O'Reilly

Athlone Regional Sports Centre are set to make a whopping €170,000 investment in upgrade works in the Athlone RSC Fitness Park.

The upgrades are set to include a brand new full-size basketball court, and the renovation of the parks playground facilities.

Speaking to the Westmeath Independent about the works, Athlone RSC Manager Liam Cunningham said: “Any profit we make in the Regional Sports Centre goes back into making the park better.

“The reason for the addition is because we want to create an area for families to get out and get active.”

The cost of the basketball court project comes in at €70,000 – with €40,000 being funded by the Community Recognition Fund, and €30,000 coming for Athlone RSC itself.

Liam said: “We [originally] put in a mini basketball court area, and then we put in an accessible area for wheelchair users and smaller children.

“It's hugely popular, we didn't expect it. We were so surprised,” he added.

The work on the new full-size basketball court started two weeks ago, and is set to be completed by the end of October.

Athlone RSC will also be investing €100,000 into the renovation of their playground area in 2025.

The sports and fitness centre management are also working towards installing lighting throughout the Fitness Park's 2km walking trail and in the new basketball court.