Bob Grylls, Contributor
If one were to drive through Westmeath these days, two new black cast iron benches have enriched the main street of the village.
Provided and installed at each end of town (The United Church and Kenny’s Store properties), their bright appearance was further augmented by a flower bed.
The flower boxes were a significant project of Blain Sack’s, member of the Westmeath & District Recreation Assoc. (WDRA). He sourced new pine/cedar planter boxes handcrafted by Josh Felhaber of Killaloe.
In addition to a flower box at the benches, there two more at the entrance of Westmeath Community Hall and another around the corner at the entrance to the ice arena and the sixth one at the boat launch.
In Lapasse a bench and flower box were located at the entrance to the town hall and the boat launch, again giving an enhanced look to the main road.
The WDRA paid for and own the new pine/cedar planter boxes, which will be used for years to come. WWR paid for the lovely flowers from their Streetscaping budget which were provided and arranged by Miriam Martin’s family business, Stonewell Farm Greenhouse on Bromley Line.
There are other improvements ongoing in Westmeath and a couple of others to come. The township property at Westmeath Road and Gore Line is being landscaped for the new location of the Cenotaph later this summer. This main intersection in the village of Westmeath will provide more visibility and interest than before. It too will have a polished look: new signage, benches, flower boxes and a setting conducive to stopping just to sit and relax.
The cenotaph known as the Westmeath Veteran’s Park was situated across the road from the Fire Hall. It was part of a project to commemorate 50 years of the end of WWII. The inauguration was on August 9th, 1997.
The evacuated property where the cenotaph was located is designated to be the site of a new Pavilion/Rest Station for use by the entire community. It will be ideal for meetings, events, games and a stopover for cyclists. The Tour de Whitewater has designated the profits from the three cycling events as well as further events to this project. The open-air building is completely designed by its Project Manager Abby Bertrand. It will be constructed when funds are sufficient. Application grants have been submitted to help reach the goal.
And for those who are out for a stroll or passing through, there is a fully equipped Porta Potti installed for your convenience until the end of summer, compliments of the Tour de Whitewater Committee. Also, a picnic table bench nearby to take a break.
Another project being spearheaded is by Michael La Grotta, Recreation Manager of the WDRA, for an upgrade of our WIFI capability and is within reach.
These projects coinciding with coming out of the Covid-19 lockdown is another breath of fresh air.
