'Tone Zone' on the way for Carlow's older folks
FIRST SOD IS TURNED ON NOVEL 'KEEP FIT' FACILITY
Tuesday March 09 2010
OLDER PEOPLE will be able to enjoy a new outdoor exercise gym in Carlow by mid-May.
Carlow Sports Partnership turned the first sod on the gym in the grounds of Eire Og on Wednesday and the expected open date is mid-May.
'Tone Zone', which will only be the second such dedicated outdoor facility in the country and admittance will be free with the gym open to all the people in Carlow during daylight hours throughout the year.
'The concept originated in China and was championed by President Mary McAleese following a visit to that country,' said Chairman of Carlow Sports Partnership Pat Bolger. 'Ireland's first Tone Zone opened in Dunshaughlin Park in Co. Meath in 2007 and Carlow now is set to follow suit.'
The facility will provide older people in Carlow the opportunity to undertake physical activity, either individually or in organised groups, in a safe and secure environment.
It will consist of easy to use, sturdy, colourful machines which are relatively maintenance free and guaranteed to withstand the Irish weather.
There will be five covered stations, an aerobic station, a mobility station, a strengthening station, a balance station and a stretching station in addition to a sanded area for throwing games and an astroturf games area. The five stations will each contain three individual pieces of equipment.
'With the building of this wonderful amenity I am delighted that older people in Carlow will now have a facility to undertake exercise with their friends at their own pace in a safe and secure environment using the most up to date user friendly equipment,' he said. 'I look forward to returning here with you all in the next few months when we'll officially open the outdoor gym.'
The Tone Zone project is being developed by the County Carlow Sports Partnership with the support of funding provided by Pobal, Carlow County Council and the Irish Sports Council and in conjunction with active retirement groups in the county, Carlow County Development Partnership Ltd, Carlow Town Council and the Éire Óg GAA Club who kindly donated the site for the outdoor gym.
