*Photograph: Eamon Ward
USE of the running track at Lees Rd has been curtailed due to members of the public using bikes, roller skates and scooters on the facility.
Moves have been made to limit the accessibility to the running track on weekends in order to stop parents bringing their children onto the track with bicycles, roller skates and scooters, an action which is likely to damage the impressive 400m synthetic track.
Reports that a runner was hit by a child by a tricycle were not known to a spokesperson for Clare County Council when questioned by The Clare Echo.
Demand by athletes and clubs for the running track at John O’Sullivan Park, Lees Rd “is increasing, especially at the weekends,” the spokesperson outlined.
Efforts are to be made to prioritise the track for its intended purpose in the light of growing numbers of tricycles, bikes and scooters wrongly using it. “During the Covid-19 lockdown periods the track became an extension of the playground whereby those using the park used the track for bikes, roller skates and scooters. Given that all clubs are back training with many athletes preparing for the season we need to prioritise the track for the purpose it was intended and for clubs who book the facility”.
Subsequently, limited access of the running track is now in place at weekends. “This is to ensure the safety of all using the track. There is sufficient free space within John O’Sullivan Park for recreational use by members of the public on bikes, scooters and roller blades. Currently there are no restrictions on use of the track during the week, however as demand increases for the track and once the upgrade works are complete it is likely that access to the track will be managed going forward in order to protect the investment in the resource,” the spokesperson added.
