BIG OUTDOOR GYM HEADING TO SANDWELL VALLEY
One of the largest areas of outdoor gym equipement in the country will soon be available for Sandwell people who are seeking to get fitter and healthier.
The latest keep-fit equipment will be at Sandwell Valley Country Park, West Bromwich, later this year.
It will have more than 25 pieces of equipment set out in one floodlit area with a stretched canvass cover to protect against the work fo the elements.
This flagship project will complement the additional 80 pieces of gym equipment currently being installed in key parks across Sandwell.
The council is to install the new equipment in a bid to help local people to have a fitter and more healtier lifestyle.
The council is keen to ensure people who are overweight and obese get more opportunity to take advantage of more equipmetn to help them improve their levels of fitness and health.
Across the country about 25 per cent of children starting school are obese or overweight and council officials point out that evidence showed that the new equipment is local parks will attract people who do not normally participate in structured fitness activities.
The provision of the new equipment has been backed by the council's public health team.
Cabinet member for health Councillor Paul Moore said: "We are investing in the new equipment to encourage people to be more active and give them greater choice. One of the biggest barriers to people taking part in exercise is cost..
"The council has achieved financial savings in its public health budget over the last two years, which we inherited from Sandwell Primary Care Trust. We are reinvesting some of thse savings in new gym equipment."
Cabinet member for highways and environment Councillor Maria Crompton said "The project compliments and adds to the visitor experience and we expect this will encourage more people to the park and broaden the usage.
"The gym facility will be completely free of charge and open to use every day of the year. Existing euqipment has already proved popular with residents."
The latest scheme follows extensive moves to improve the gym equipment at local parks, with it being installed at Jubilee Park, Tipton, Mary Macarthur Park, Cradley Heath, Broadwell Park, Oldbury and at Friar Park, Wednesbury.
In the next two months, there will be additional sites at Stoney Lane Park, Smethwick, Norman Deeley Playing Fields, Wednesbury, Charlemonth Playing Fields, West Bromwich and Laybourne Park, Tipton.
Also 10 pieces of gym facilities are to be installed in Lightswoods Park, Smethwick as part of the restoration work.
And due to increase demand, additional equipment has recently been installed at West Smethwick, Haden Hill and Britannia Parks and at Surrey Crescent open space, Wednesbury.
For further information please contact:
Sandwell Council Communications Unit
0121-569-3031
Out of hours/emergency: 07920 027 723
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