Easter 2003 marked the official opening of the upgraded amenity area and car park at Oughvale Woodland, outside Stradbally at an area locally known as the Windy Gap. The event was officially launched by Stephen Roche, one of the Laois athletes who took part in the Equestrian event at the Special Olympics. Over 100 guests attended the ceremony, where there were guided walks provided and face painting available for the children.

The development which is adapted for people with special needs has a car park, a range of walks in a mixed broadleaf/conifer woodland, an amenity area and children's play area. Technical advice in relation to special needs for the project was sought from the Wheelchair Association, the National Association for the Blind and The Kolbe Centre (a school for special needs children in Portlaoise).

Oughvale is a 142 hectare mixed woodland, 70 hectares of which are in a National Heritage area. It contains an excellent bird population of around 25 specimens as well as a network of old estate walls and much deadwood.

The development was a culmination of a successful partnership between the Stradbally Development Association, Coillte and Laois Leader, which has now resulted in a magnificent amenity available to full public. The groups have all committed to the ongoing maintenance and promotion of the facilities.