Published: September 27, 2023
Active Cities project brings free equipment sharing solution to Waterford City
Waterford Sports Partnership is delighted to bring a new and innovative free equipment sharing solution to the People’s Park in Waterford City. The BoxUp locker, which was funded through the Dormant Accounts Active Cities Fund via Sport Ireland, was officially launched by the Mayor of Waterford City and County, Cllr. Joe Conway, on Saturday 23rd September and is now freely available for the public to use.
Introducing BoxUp to the People’s Park could not have happened without the valuable support of Waterford City & County Council staff in the installation of this 6-locker unit which compliments a number of new physical activity installations introduced in the People’s Park by Waterford City & County Council and Waterford Sports Partnership in recent months.
Over the past year, the eight Local Sports Partnerships within the Active Cities Network across Dublin, Cork, Waterford, Limerick and Galway have been working with the Swiss-based company, BoxUp, to bring the first lockers to Ireland. The locker, which is solar powered, contains a variety of equipment based on the facilities and amenities in the People’s Park. The equipment includes a skateboard and helmet, balance bike and helmet, basketballs, frisbees, table tennis equipment and boules equipment. All equipment can be easily accessed through the use of a free app. Just download the free app BoxUp and create an account using photo ID to access the equipment!
The Active Cities project is focused on getting those who are least active in our society, active. In taking a multi-sectoral approach, the project seeks to reduce the barriers to participation in physical activity, increase access and enhance the choice and opportunities available for all to be active.
The Mayor of Waterford City & County, Cllr. Joe Conway, said ‘I am delighted to launch the BoxUp unit here today. It’s a wonderful addition to the People’s Park. It will help to make sport and activity accessible to all and will help to activate the many quality installations in the park including the skatepark, basketball court, pétanque court, table tennis table and of course offer children the opportunity to use a balance bike on the safe pathways throughout the park. Well done to everyone involved.’
Sport Ireland Director of Participation, Louise Burke said, “Sport Ireland is delighted to see the launch of BoxUp in Waterford today. The Active Cities project is funded through the Dormant Accounts Fund, which aims to engage communities across the country by supporting those who are educationally, socially, or economically disadvantaged or those who have a disability to become more active. It’s great to see this new innovative solution for the public that is free which aims to reduce the barriers to participation in physical activity, increase access and enhance the choice and opportunities available for all to take part“.
Mary Corry, National Active Cities Officer said “with lockers already installed in both Dublin and Cork, it’s great to see this national collaboration come to life in Waterford. The introduction of BoxUp through the Active Cities project is an important development as we look to reduce barriers and meet the needs of individuals at a local level. I would encourage all residents or visitors to the area, to download the free BoxUp app and using photo ID, create their account, so that they can enjoy using this free equipment in the People’s Park“.
Rosarie Kealy, Sport Co-ordinator with Waterford Sports Partnership, commented; ‘We are delighted to bring BoxUp to Waterford and we would like to acknowledge the huge support from Waterford City & County Council especially the Parks team, who worked with us throughout the planning and installation process. This represents a significant opportunity to provide people with additional resources to get active in one of our city parks and to make the best use of the equipment and sports infrastructure already available in the park. We look forward to seeing the locker being utilised by all ages and abilities in the city’.
For more information on the Active Cities project please our Active Cities Officer, Lauren Walsh-Kett on 087 1178578
or email lwalshkett@waterfordsportspartnership.ie
