Gym equipment placed in Boston parks for free public use
IMPROVING fitness by going to a gym can be a scary prospect for some as well as being expensive.
But now there is a chance to get fit and keep active by using new equipment placed for free use in parks in the Boston area.
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Thanks to funding from NHS Lincolnshire equipment available now includes a cross-trainer, a rower, sit-up benches, balance beams, monkey bars and hurdles.
Boston Borough Council's partnerships and sustainability manager Ian Farmer said: "The concept behind the bid was to make healthier choices easier and affordable.
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"We recognise that not everyone can afford the time or the money to go to a gym, so we thought why not provide the equipment in our public spaces instead?"
An earlier trial of outdoor gym equipment in Central Park, funded by the council, showed a wide range of people of all ages were using it.
The investments are particularly aimed at families by making exercise fun and a shared activity.
Adult obesity rates in Boston are higher than both the England and Lincolnshire average, with almost one in five of Year 6 children also classified as being obese.
Health portfolio holder Councillor Stephen Woodliffe said: "We hope this initiative will help to combat obesity by making exercise fun and we are very grateful for the NHS investment in these new facilities."
Boston Borough Council secured capital funding of £65,000 for the provision of two trim trails, new outdoor gym equipment at Central Park and Woodville Road Playing Field and a financial contribution towards land acquisition at Boston Woods to enable an extension of the joint path/cycleway.
In addition, the council was successful in securing almost £4,000 to create an accessible indoor multi-use area at the Geoff Moulder Leisure Complex for the disabled and those with mobility difficulties.
Comments
by Seph90
Thursday, March 29 2012, 9:20AM
“so whilst the idea of exercsing in a gym can be scary, people will naturally feel much more comfortable getting all hot and sweaty exercising out in public where everyone and anyone can see them.
Dont get me wrong, i like the idea because fitness in definately a big issue nowadays, but i just dont know whether someone who is intimidated by the thought of exercising in a gym would be any more comfortable exercising out in public.”
by Puriel
Wednesday, March 28 2012, 10:38PM
“If the cap fits...”
by lynnlincoln
Wednesday, March 28 2012, 5:17PM
“It would be nice to do both Puriel, and no, I wouldn't feel a plonker exercising on these machines in the prak (sic), why should I? I didn't know there was such equipment at Whisby, will pay a visit and have a go, thanks for the info.”
by Puriel
Wednesday, March 28 2012, 4:25PM
“Instead of having equipment to artificially walk in the park why not (wait for it) WALK IN THE PARK.
It's ridiculous that councils waste money on such things.
As for being a scary prospect going to the gym, wouldn't you feel a total plonker going on this stuff in a prak? I've never seen the kit at Whisby used. Complete waste of money.”
by Leaflet Distribution Lincolnshire
Wednesday, March 28 2012, 4:20PM
“What a good idea, why don't we have something like this in Lincoln?”
by eatmygoal
Wednesday, March 28 2012, 10:36AM
“They have these in some pretty rough parts of London and have not been damaged by vandals, there is one in Hackney that I have been on from time to time. Hopefully these avoid being targetted as well.”
by gordonio
Wednesday, March 28 2012, 8:10AM
“My thoughts exactly Fran. Wouldn't mind equipment like this in Hartsholme Park. There are some gym type bits and bobs in the area surrounding the Comminty Centre in Skellingthorpe, but nothing on a scale like this, plus I've never seen them being used.”
by LincolnFran
Wednesday, March 28 2012, 7:55AM
“A great idea but how long will it be before the vandals get onto the equipment.”