New sporting facilities for Blackwater Park welcomed

Cricket, cycling and basketball facilities are all currently being installed at Navan's Blackwater Park, Navan Municipal District Council heard last week.

A cricket wicket strip was offically unveiled this week with a children's cycling learning facility and a basketball court coming on stream.

A separate basketball court is also being installed at Boreen Keel.

The meeting was told the learner cycle park would be near the playground on the right hand side.

Cllr Padraig Fitzsimons said that children needed to know about road signs and asked if there was any provision for that.

"There will be signs, a roundabout, a little yield sign, a little stop sign. It is aimed at children from ages three to ten. It is laid out with road markings so they learn what road markings are. There is a similar one in Waterford which is working well. The cricket strip is on the back soccer pitch," he was told.

The councillors heard that beyond the cycle park would be a 3x3 basketbll court. Another similar court will be going into Boreen Keel.

All of the works will be completed shortly. There had been plans to do the work in December but the weather prevented the work going ahead.

The Mayor, Cllr Eddie Fennessy said the provision of new infrastructure on the Blackwater Park is always welcome.

"What’s being delivered at the minute is a good mix, it will definitely enhance the park for the better. Cricket is a game on the rise in Ireland, there’s a really strong club at Brownstown, I’ve met some of the patrons over the years. I’m sure they’ll be delighted to have a mini pitch available in Navan.

“The cycle learning facility will be a huge addition to the park. I’m sure it’ll be really popular with young families. I believe we have the council’s CEO Kieran Kehoe to thank for that. Blackwater Park really is an incredible piece of infrastructure to have in the town. There’s a huge blend of activities available and its great to see so many people enjoy it," he said.