Free Sports equipment lockers launched across Mayo

Mayo Sports Partnership, in conjunction with Mayo County Council and with support from Participation Nation, Healthy Ireland, Dormant Account Funds and the four Municipal Districts, has launched four BoxUp units in Mayo.

The new and innovative free equipment sharing solution for parks and open spaces will provide opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to lead healthier lifestyles through increased access to free sport and leisure equipment.

Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Sean Carey, stated: "The BoxUp initiative is a fantastic addition to four recreational areas in the county. It is great to see this pilot project from Mayo Sports Partnership, Mayo County Council and Healthy Mayo that is supporting people to enjoy physical activity. Having these in place for four locations across the county will make being active more accessible for all."

Reducing Barriers to Activity

Box Up Sports Equipment Storage Lockers are focused on getting those who are least active in society to be more active. In taking a multi-sectoral approach, the project is seeking to reduce the barriers to participation in physical activity, increase access and enhance the choice and opportunities available for all to take part in their local communities.

BoxUp lockers have already been successfully installed in Cork, Dublin, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. With over 5,000 users and over 9,500 hours of recorded activity to date, the lockers not only provide free access to equipment, but also provide invaluable data on the usage of the equipment in each local area.

Mayo Sports Partnership Head Charlie Lambert commented: "Mayo Sports Partnership is delighted to see the launch of BoxUp in Mayo today. This pilot project in four locations aims to engage communities by supporting those who are educationally, socially, or economically disadvantaged or those who have a disability to become more active. We are delighted to collaborate with the four Municipal Districts in Mayo to ensure local communities have the best opportunity to be physically active in their area, making the most of the local amenities and the natural environment."

"If these boxes are successful and if we are able to access further funding through government supports we may look at extending this initiative into other locations," he added.

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How It Works

The BoxUp lockers, which are solar powered, contain a variety of equipment based on the facilities and amenities in that area, and all equipment can be easily accessed through the use of a free app. Over the coming months usage of the boxes will be monitored and there may be an option to change the equipment on offer based on local feedback.

Outdoor Recreation Officer Kieran Reilly explains: "You will just need to download the free BoxUp app on your smartphone, and create your account using photo ID. There are no credit card or bank details required, all equipment in the lockers is available to use free of charge. Just select on the app the equipment you want to use, and the locker will open. When you are finished your activity, simply place the equipment back in the locker and upload a picture to the app confirming you've returned it."

This pilot initiative is mainly funded through the government's 2024 Participation Nation grant and part supported by Dormant Account Funds, Healthy Ireland Funds and the four Municipal Districts.

Locations

The BoxUp units have been installed at the following locations in Mayo:

• Ballina – Tom Ruane Park
• Ballyhaunis – The Friary (not yet installed)
• Castlebar – Lough Lannagh MUGA/Playground
• Westport – Skatepark

For further information on BoxUp in Mayo, contact Kieran Reilly at 094 9064823 or email kreilly@mayococo.ie.