Alva folk can keep fit in the open air

A new outdoor keep fit facility in Alva has been officially opened to the public.

Six new pieces of gym equipment – including an air walker, ski stepper, rower, twister, sit up bench and pendulum – are now available for use at Cochrane Park.

Residents can now get fit in the fresh air following the official opening of the gym at the weekend.

Well known local man, Kenny Cook, was on hand to perform the official opening, cutting the ribbon in front of around 50 residents.

Kenny, active community officer for Clackmannanshire Council, is a well-known athlete who won the Hill Race at Alva Games in 1986, completing the senior event in 19 minutes 30 seconds having been placed fourth, third and second in previous years. Prior to that, he won the junior Hill Race in 1981 and 1982.

Alva Community Council was given over £5000 from Ochil Leisure Enterprise group following the closure of Ochil Leisure Centre and members used the cash to create the outdoor gym project.

A further grant of £2000 was received from the EDF Burnfoot Hill Community Fund. The new facility is free to use.

Sandra Rees, from Alva Community Council, said: “The outdoor gym is aimed at those aged 14 or over or over 4ft 7in and will contribute to the promotion of physical activity by providing readily available and enjoyable ways to exercise in the park, overcoming barriers to exercise such as cost and accessibility.

“We would like to thank council landscape design officer Mike Nicoll who has worked with the group giving advice and guidance on choice of equipment, location and secured a good price for the equipment using the council’s procurement arrangements.”

The gym was built as a result of feedback published from the Alva Community Action Plan.

Alva’s Community Action Plan was published by the community council in September, 2015, following a survey of Alva households.

Feedback suggested that parks in Alva could be further developed to attract more visitors, adding attractions such as the outdoor gym, as well as a strong desire for further investment in sports and leisure facilities within the town.

The community council’s action plan group worked in partnership with Clackmannanshire Council to bring the project to fruition.

The Steering Group is made up of some Alva Community Councillors and members of the Alva community.