Challenge

The Friends of Kingsmead Park voluntary group wanted to enhance the park by offering outdoor fitness facilities. Working closely with Canterbury City Council, the group approached Fresh Air Fitness for specialist advice on the project.

Solution

After an initial site visit and further discussions to fully understand the requirements, a Big Rig and 6-piece outdoor gym were proposed. This 25-user gym would provide a fully functional fitness facility, including a good range of cardio and strength training equipment and an inclusive piece to cater for a broad range of ages and abilities.

The Friends chose to have the 6 pieces of outdoor gym equipment produced in the same colours as the Big Rig.

The equipment was installed with rubber mats to protect the grass from heavy footfall around the fitness area.

The gym offers solutions for cardio and strength training, as well as opportunities to develop balance and flexibility, improve mobility in joints, and options for disability fitness with an Arm and Pedal Bike designed specifically for wheelchair users.

Launching the gym

To open the gym successfully within the community, a programme of activities was organised. Starting with a celebratory launch event, which was well attended by councillors, members of the community and local press. Fresh Air Fitness also ran fitness sessions to ensure people would use the equipment with confidence and learn how to meet their personal fitness goals. These saw a great turnout, with a variety of age groups and abilities in attendance.

To support the community in using the facility further, Friends of Kingsmead Park made full use of the video library provided by Fresh Air Fitness. Adding a dedicated page to their website, the community can watch the how-to videos at their leisure, before arriving at the park, or during use.

Result

The site is already seeing a lot of use, welcoming individuals, groups and training sessions for the whole community. It has made a hugely positive impact, getting the community together and helping people to get fitter at the same time.

The £20,000 project was funded by Canterbury City Council, the Friends of Kingsmead Field, the Kent County Playing Fields Association, and former Kent County councillor Graham Gibbens.

  • Gym offers solutions for cardio and strength training.
  • Equipment provides opportunities to develop balance and flexibility, improve mobility in joints.
  • Fully inclusive: gym includes the disibility Arm & Pedal Bike, designed for wheelchair users and Big Shoulder Wheel.
  • Uused regularly by individuals, groups and training sessions.
  • Rubber grass tile surfacing keeps the area lush and green.