Get fit at borough's first outdoor gym

Date published: 07 September 2011

Radcliffe is to have the borough’s first outdoor gym for residents of all ages to get fit and have fun.

Everyone is invited to head for Close Park on the official launch day – Tuesday 25 October – to try out the new equipment and take part in other sporting activities.

The project was put together by the Friends of Close Park, working with Bury Council, after winning £39,771 from the Big Lottery Fund’s Community Spaces programme.

Norman Taylor, a Radcliffe Police Community Support Officer, had the idea for the project having seen a similar project at Dam Head Park in Blackley, and took it to the Friends. They hope everyone in Radcliffe will come to the park to improve their health and well-being through daily workouts in a natural setting.

The project comprises five pieces of gym equipment from the company Playfit: an elliptical trainer, machines for walking and twisting, and two massage machines, plus some small scale landscaping. The installation will be carried out by Draxeda Construction and will be starting soon, to be completed in time for the launch day on 25 October, which has been dubbed Befitclosepark.

Colette Jones, Chair of the Friends, said: “We couldn’t have done it without the help of the whole Friends group, Proffitt’s – Investing in Communities (a community interest company), and Bury Council’s parks and countryside officers. Everyone has been extremely enthusiastic and supportive, and we feel it will be an excellent addition to our park”

Councillor Jane Lewis, executive member for leisure, tourism and culture, said: “This is a fantastic project for the park and the area. It’s great to see local community groups working in partnership with the council to improve facilities for everyone to use in our parks - well done to everyone involved.”

If you are involved with a sport/activity/club and would like to take part in the launch day or volunteer on the day, please contact Amy Leach, ranger for Radcliffe, on 0161 724 8173 or email a.r.leach@bury.gov.uk by 21 September.