Fairytale plans for Gowran Outdoor Hub

A community hub in Gowran is not only going to be state-of-the-art but is set to have a centrepiece that will be the first of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere!

The aim for the community facility is that it will have something for everyone in the town and surrounding areas to enjoy. Gowran on the Move, the committee behind the initiative, describes the hub as ‘a vibrant and safe, first-of-its-kind intergenerational facility’.

Included in the ambitious plans for the space are a 300-metre walking and running track, multi-use courts that can be used for tennis, basketball and football, as well as an inclusive playscape for all ages and abilities.

Organisers hope that the new community facility will be a space that prioritises safety and inclusivity, catering to people of all ages and abilities, that it will foster community engagement and strengthen social bonds by providing a space for people to gather, play, and connect.

They also aim to encourage physical activity, contributing to overall health and wellbeing in the community.
What makes this flagship project unique is the state-of-the-art centrepiece planned for the hub. The castle-themed climbing frame will be the first of its kind in the Northern Hemisphere. The equipment is designed with inclusivity at its heart – children of all abilities can use the facility.

“We’re beyond excited to finally see our long term vision start to rise from the ground,” said Gowran on the Move chairman, Denis Hynes. “We truly believe this one-of-a-kind project will inject fresh energy into the heart of the Gowran community.”
The play area has been designed by All Play Ireland. Director of the company, Hollie Dowling, said it has been specifically designed for users in wheelchairs, with access ramps, mobility aids and other play features which can be used by children with all abilities, allowing everyone to play together.

“The play area also includes many sensory items such as musical equipment, sand play and a variety of material and surfacing textures. We can’t wait to get the project complete and are sure it will be a great asset to the community for many years to come,” Ms Dowling said.

Help the Hub
With a target of this spring to open up to the community, Gowran on the Move is making a final appeal for financial support for the project.

The ‘Help the Hub’ campaign seeks to raise €30,000 from local residents and sponsorship from businesses to bring this much-needed recreational space to life, to turn the dream into a reality.

“We’re now appealing to local people, businesses and organisations to help us with a final fundraising push to get the project across the line in time for a spring launch,” Mr Hynes said.

“Every donation, big or small, will contribute to the success of the Gowran Outdoor Hub. Please share our journey, spread the word, and be a part of creating a vibrant space for generations to come.”
You can support the project online at: gofundme.com/f/gowran-hub-fundraiser

Thanks to the generous support of the Kilkenny Leader Partnership, Kilkenny County Council, the town and village renewal grant, and other fundraising activities the initiative has already secured €395,000. Construction is well underway, with the play equipment and courts already taking shape.

“Kilkenny County Council are delighted to be a part of this ambitious project. Its inclusive features will be one of a kind in Europe which makes it a very exciting project for Co Kilkenny,” said Anne Marie Shortall, Senior Executive Officer, Community Section, Kilkenny County Council.

Declan Rice, CEO of Kilkenny Leader Partnership (KLP) said “KLP is delighted to see the progress of the Gowran Hub, and looks forward to it being completed and of service to the people of the town and surrounding areas.”