Longford County Council opens inclusive Fitness Zone at Albert Reynolds Peace Park
Consultation process sought the views of pupils from four local schools
Press Release: Thursday, 12 March 2026
Longford County Council has officially opened a new Fitness Zone at Albert Reynolds Peace Park, bringing a purpose-built outdoor exercise and recreation area to the centre of Longford Town. The recent opening was marked by bright sunshine and attended by students from four local primary schools, alongside members of Longford County Council and Longford Sports Partnership.
The new space is designed to serve children and young people of all abilities. It includes a circular running track, exercise equipment, monkey bars, a stationary bike, an accessible hand bike, a climbing rope and a standing squat machine, as well as a hangout and recreation area. Each piece of equipment carries a QR code linking to instructions, so first-time users can get started with confidence.
Cathaoirleach of Longford County Council, Cllr Garry Murtagh said, “Albert Reynolds Peace Park has always been a place where Longford people come together. This new Fitness Zone gives it a fresh energy and a real purpose for the next generation. It is great to see children from local schools enjoying the space and calling it their own.”
Chief Executive of Longford County Council, Paddy Mahon said, “This Fitness Zone is the direct result of listening to over 100 children and young people who told us exactly what they wanted to see in their local park. The fact that it sits within 500 metres of four schools is no coincidence — it was part of the plan from the outset. We are proud to have delivered a space that is genuinely inclusive, physically challenging and free to use for every young person in this community.”
The project was funded through a Capital Grant for Play and Recreation from the Department of Children, Equality, Disability, Integration and Youth. The application was preceded by an extensive consultation process: classes from the four local primary schools were invited to the County Council Chamber, where more than 100 children gave their views on what the park should offer. Those responses directly shaped the equipment selection, with each item chosen for its child-friendly design, safety credentials and accessibility for young people with disabilities.
The Longford Municipal District members approved the use of the park for the scheme, and the subsequent funding application was successful. The fitness zone features a range of equipment from entry-level exercises suitable for younger children to more demanding challenges for older or more active users.
Longford County Council wishes to thank all those who contributed to the project: Kompan, who completed the installation efficiently and to a high standard; the Council’s Health and Safety team; Municipal District members and staff under Area Engineer Peter Brady; The Suburbs Project, who maintain the park to an exceptional standard; Director of Services Samantha Healy; and the full Community Department and Sports Partnership teams. Particular thanks was also extended to SEO Ciaran Murphy, David Barden and Conor Clarke, whose work was central to delivering this project.
