2011-2015 Church Gresley Councillors Blog: Official Unveiling of the Outdoor Gym Equipment

On Thursday 20th June, Cllr Rhind and myself were fortunate to attend the unveiling of the new outdoor gym equipment at Maurice Lea Park.

Representatives of the council, including those closest to the project joined the Chair of the Council - Ann Hood and her consort Frank, our local PCSOs, members of walking and health referral groups and ourselves. We were shown 4 pieces of the equipment, told how to use them and also given the chance to try them out.

SDDC Chair Ann Hood Looks on as consort Frank Hood is shown how to use one piece of equipment by Physical Activities Officer Lewis Adams

Before the tour started the background of the project was explained. The project was funded using a grant and is a pilot project which, if successful, will be expanded to other areas.

The equipment tendering process was carefully considered with input invited groups with an interest in health & well-being. This included trying out equipment already installed in other areas. A display also featured at the Healthier South Derbyshire day in March with the public invited to make comment.

The 6 pieces of equipment are spread out through the park so it encourages a circuit based approach and makes it less likely for people to congregate around.

The equipment is aimed at everybody over the age of 12 and some of the equipment is suitable for use by wheelchair users. Each piece of equipment has instructions on and shows the parts of the body worked during the exercise and how long is recommended for each level of user.