Programme: Roscommon
WHO Theme: Outdoor Spaces and Buildings
Cost: 10000+
Status: Completed
Description
Somers Park is situated in the Demesne, adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool in Castlerea. The park boasts a range of amenities designed to promote health and wellness among community members of all ages and abilities.
Walking Track and Outdoor Gym: The park features a tarmacked walking track, making it accessible for wheelchair users. Several benches are positioned along the track for rest and relaxation. The track also includes an outdoor gym for fitness enthusiasts.
Scenic Riverside Walkway: Visitors can enjoy a picturesque riverside walkway, perfect for leisurely strolls and connecting with nature.
Large Dome: A prominent feature of the park is a large dome, which serves as a popular venue for outdoor concerts and exercise classes, fostering community engagement and physical activity.
Parking and Accessibility:
The park provides a number of generously sized parking spaces between the park and the swimming pool, ensuring convenient access for all visitors.
Outdoor Swimming Pool:
Somers Park is home to an outdoor heated swimming pool, measuring 33 meters in length, with both shallow and deep ends. Open to the public during the summer months, the pool is equipped with multiple lifeguards to supervise activities and ensure safety. Additional features include:
Accessibility: Handrails on both sides of the steps leading into the water.
Changing Facilities: Individual changing rooms for privacy and convenience.
Conclusion:
Somers Park is a vital community asset that promotes physical activity, social interaction, and outdoor enjoyment. The park’s diverse facilities and commitment to accessibility make it an ideal candidate for funding and awards aimed at enhancing community health and well-being.
Aim of Initiative
The primary aim of the Somers Park initiative is to promote health and wellness among community members of all ages and abilities through the provision of diverse, accessible amenities. Situated in the Demesne, adjacent to the outdoor swimming pool in Castlerea, Somers Park is designed to foster physical activity, social interaction, and outdoor enjoyment.
Key Objectives:
Enhance Physical Activity:
Walking Track and Outdoor Gym: To provide a safe, accessible space for walking, jogging, and exercising, catering to wheelchair users and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Scenic Riverside Walkway: To offer a beautiful environment for leisurely walks, encouraging more people to engage in regular physical activity.
Promote Social Interaction:
Large Dome: To create a versatile venue for community events such as outdoor concerts and exercise classes, fostering community engagement and strengthening social bonds.
Ensure Accessibility:
Parking and Accessibility: To provide ample, generously sized parking spaces, ensuring convenient access for all visitors, including those with disabilities.
Swimming Pool Accessibility: To equip the outdoor heated swimming pool with handrails and individual changing rooms, ensuring it is accessible to people of all abilities.
Support Health and Safety:
Outdoor Swimming Pool: To maintain a supervised, safe swimming environment with lifeguards, promoting water-based exercise and recreation during the summer months.
Encourage Community Wellness:
Amenities and Facilities: To offer a range of facilities that cater to various interests and needs, from fitness to relaxation, enhancing the overall well-being of the community.
Conclusion:
Somers Park is a vital community asset committed to enhancing physical activity, social interaction, and overall wellness. The park’s inclusive design and variety of amenities make it an ideal candidate for funding and awards aimed at promoting community health and well-being.
Who is it aimed at
The primary aim of the Somers Park initiative is to promote health and wellness among older people of all abilities through the provision of diverse, accessible amenities. Somers Park is designed to foster physical activity, social interaction, and outdoor enjoyment for older people.
It is a vital community asset committed to enhancing physical activity, social interaction, and overall wellness among older people of all abilities. The park’s inclusive design and variety of amenities available.
3 Steps critical to success
- Monitoring, Evaluation, and Sustainability
Monitoring Systems: Set up systems to monitor park usage, program participation, and gather community feedback. Regularly evaluate the impact of the park on the health and well-being of older adults and adjust programs as needed.
Sustainable Operations: Continue seeking funding and partnerships to support ongoing operations and future expansions. Keep the community engaged with regular updates, events, and by recognizing contributions to maintain ongoing support. - Accessibility and Design: Ensure all park amenities, including the walking track, gym equipment, benches, and swimming pool, continue to meet the high accessibility standards.
Adequate street lighting, safe large parking spaces and a layout that is functional and welcoming for people of all ages and abilities. - Continue to develop a diverse schedule of activities and programs tailored to the interests, needs and abilities of older adults.
Implemented rigorous maintenance schedules to ensure the park remains clean, safe, and functional.
Continue to apply for grants and funding from governmental and non-governmental organisations to enhance services that can be provided.
3 Challenges in Planning / Delivery
- Obtaining and sustaining sufficient funding to support the development, operation, and maintenance of the park’s facilities and programs.
- Low participation rates could undermine the park’s objectives, reducing its impact on community health and well-being.
- The continuous development of accessibility and inclusivity by designing and maintaining park facilities to accommodate the diverse needs of all older adults, including those with disabilities.
3 Outcomes / Benefits
- Enhanced Accessibility and Inclusivity:
Somers Park becomes a model of accessibility, offering safe and inclusive facilities for older adults of all abilities.
Indicator: Increased usage of the park by older adults and individuals with disabilities, measured through attendance records and feedback surveys.
Impact: Improved physical and mental health of older residents, fostering a more inclusive community environment. - Increased Community Engagement and Social Interaction:
The park serves as a vibrant community hub where older adults engage in social, recreational, and wellness activities.
Indicator: High participation rates in park programs and events, tracked through sign-ups and event attendance.
Impact: Enhanced social connections and reduced feelings of isolation among older residents, contributing to a stronger sense of community. - Sustainable and Ongoing Support for Health and Wellness:
Outcome: Establishment of sustainable programs that continually promote the health and wellness of older adults.
Indicator: Consistent funding and partnerships secured for long-term program support, evidenced by annual reports and financial statements.
Impact: Long-term improvements in the overall well-being and quality of life for older community members, ensuring the initiative’s continued success and growth.
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