Walking in the fresh air, keeping an eye on the kids while they train and getting your gym workout into the mix - this is what is now on offer in the grounds of Glenroe GAA, as their new walkway and outdoor gym is put into use.

In the small Limerick community, the outdoor gym and new walking route are really something to behold and it was all achieved through the work and dedication of volunteers. This new facility encapsulates the meaning of community spirit as people from Glenroe started the physical work on this project in November and they gave up their weekends to get the new walkway and gym completed. The impressive result has been in use for about two months and they plan to officially open it in June.

Avondhu reporter Sandra Quinn took a tour of the gym and walk on a blustery and wet night and despite the miserable weather, there were more than 30 cars in the car park as people were braving the weather to get their walk in and towels and tissues were put to good use to dry off the gym equipment.

Chairman of the Glenroe committee, David McCarthy explained that no matter what the weather is like, there is almost always someone using the walk or the gym. He said that with rural roads being dark and narrow, it is the perfect place to go for a stroll, while also keeping an eye on the kids while they train. It is adjacent to the pitches and walkers, joggers and runners are protected from any stray sliotars or footballs by the high green fencing.

Walkers can measure their walk by the length as it is almost a half mile, or by time during the winter, as people purchase tokens for €1 which light up the walkway for half an hour. Half way through, they can ramp up their exercise by availing of the free outdoor gym. Not knowing what to expect at the gym, Sandra Quinn explained that the facilities are simply overwhelming, as the outdoor gym offers people the unique opportunity to combine a full gym workout with a brisk walk and lovely fresh air.

In a time when money is tighter, people are cutting back on some of life's luxuries and perhaps cutting back on gym visits is one of those, but with the free gym in Glenroe, getting fit can be put back on the agenda as people can work on their core, upper and lower body strength and muscle toning and all for no charge. The new facilities were funded through a combination of Ballyhoura grant aid and fundraising, while they invested €17,000 in the top class gym equipment.

"Every single thing is voluntary", David said, adding that right down to the benches, plants and laying down the path, everything was done by people from the community, while they got the gym equipment and surface installed by professionals. Specimen trees and an oak, which should outlive those who planted it, have also been put in place and in years to come, these trees will add to the landscape for Glenroe GAA, while the walk will also be tree-lined.

David added that the gym is leading the way for small villages and towns, stressing that it is something a lot of small communities will explore once they see the benefits.

The GAA grounds, which play host to the Harvest Festival in the summer, also boast lovely dressing rooms and as with the whole complex, it is the little touches that draw the eye, such as the custom designed cross hurleys which adorn the shelf brackets. There are also showers, bathrooms, a kitchen and meeting rooms and they hope to install a viewing area for spectators.

"It was a massive effort and it's wonderful to see it all coming together," David said, adding that they still have a few finishing touches to complete before the official opening in June.

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