BID FOR OUTDOOR GYMS AND FREE WI-FI IN CITY PARKS
PLANS are afoot to transform some of Coventry’s parks with free Wi-Fi and outdoor gyms.
The idea is part of a new council strategy to promote green spaces.
Free Wi-Fi will be trialled in “two or three parks” to see if it attracts more youngsters, with Coombe Country Park one of the locations.
Outdoor gyms or ‘trim trials,’ which consist of a course with exercise equipment or obstacles, are also planned in certain parks.
Proposals fall under the authority’s Green Space Strategy 2019-2024, which received cabinet backing on Tuesday, ahead of final backing at full council this week.
Head of streetpride and greenspace, Graham Hood, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service the plan is “very early doors” with locations not decided on, adding it is dependant on external funding.
He said: “Getting Wi-Fi will hopefully attract young people to the parks.
“We have a high student population so it would encourage them to visit and they can study in there.
“Young people could gather in the parks rather than other places.
“We had it temporarily at the War Memorial for Godiva and we are now looking at putting together Wi-Fi for Coombe Abbey.”
Outdoor gyms are seen as a way to attract young people to parks, but are also viewed as a facility for all ages to encourage fitness.
Mr Hood added: “We have recognised that green gyms are extremely popular.
“We have recently introduced some in Edgwick Park and Swanswell Park.
“It gives people the opportunity to use a variety of equipment to improve their health and fitness.
“Some of the equipment comes with the app which provides health information as you use it.”
Mr Hood said the Edgwick Park gym opened over the summer and was funded by Public Health at around £25,000 to £30,000.
The two ideas are part of a wider strategy with 62 recommendations.
It received backing by cabinet on Tuesday, although councillors also raised the idea of more toilet facilities and cafes to encourage use.
However, Mr Hood said maintenance of toilets is “very difficult” as they attract antisocial behaviour.
“We do look at alternative ways of providing them and that is linking them to cafe facilities or sports facilities,” he added in the meeting.