Case Study
Ballon GFC Clubhouse Refurbishment and Walking Track Resurfacing
Rural Towns
Overview
Ballon GFC was established in 1977 and is managed by the Club’s Executive
Committee. It is made up of ‘James Morris Park’ which is the entire facility
and playing pitches and ‘Fr. Flood House’ which is the Clubhouse. The
grounds and clubhouse are used by a variety of local groups including
Ballon Rathoe Athletics, Ballon Community Games, St Martin’s Juveniles,
Cuchulainn Rounders, Burren Rangers Hurling and Camogie, and Ballon
GAA teams. The club promotes inclusion and is proactive in seeking
participation from everyone within the community. It has approximately
200 members and a very active committee comprising 20 individuals.
Ballon GFC applied for funding to retrofit and renovate the existing Ballon
Clubhouse facilities and to resurface the existing walking track. The aim
of the project was to bring the clubhouse structure in line with current
building standards, with more efficient heating and insulation, making it
is more accessible to the community and so that it is sustainable for the
future and to upgrade the walking track so that it is safer for members
of the community to use.
The works for the walking track included clearing and levelling the existing
track and resurfacing with asphalt. Upon completion the clubhouse was
fully wheelchair accessible, equipped with a state-of-the-art multifunctional
community space and baby changing area.
Solution
The club welcomes all groups to use the facilities and are keen to grow the club membership over the coming years. The new clubhouse facilities have provided a newly improved and much needed resource complementing the current offerings of community spaces within Ballon.
Outcomes
The improved track encourages more people to engage in walking, and other activities, leading to better physical health. It is a welcoming and safe environment which supports mental wellbeing by reducing stress and promoting social interaction.
Improved facilities attract new members, boosting club revenues. Events held at the facility draw visitors, benefiting local businesses.
Community members gain opportunities to volunteer, coach, or mentor, engaging personal growth and leadership.
Collaborations with schools encourage young people promoting healthy lifestyles and discipline. Workshops on nutrition, injury prevention, and sports science could be integrated.
LEADER 2024 – 2027 is currently looking for New Projects
Website/Social Media:
https://www.facebook.com/ballongfc2014/
Theme
Economic Development, Enterprise
Development and Job Creation
Year of funding:
2022 (As part of LEADER 2014-2020
Transitional Programme)
Amount Funded €174,038
Get in Touch
For further information on our LEADER projects please contact Erica Kelly.
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