More access to gymnastics offered in Nelson
Gymnastics Nelson is making sport and recreation more accessible after unveiling its newly renovated space.
The upgraded Mosey Grayson Memorial Gymnastics Centre, behind Nelson Intermediate School, features an external lift and a fully accessible bathroom, ensuring ease of use for people in wheelchairs or with impaired mobility.
“We want to create an environment where people can come in and enjoy gymnastics without any barriers to participation, but our previous layout with stair access only wasn’t conducive to that,” Gymnastics Nelson Club president Dennie Capell said.
“Fortunately, funding organisations and local businesses have come together and supported our vision to provide a more inclusive space. We’re excited to welcome new gym members to our facility so everyone can benefit from our classes and programmes.”
The renovations are already making a difference, with Gymnastics Nelson now able to offer a Functional Fitness class for people with disabilities and a Forever Active class for adults aged 55-plus.
Margot Hannigan, a club member for 40 years, was unable to access the facility for a couple of years due to it being stair access only: “I can now watch gymnastics using the lift, but I can also appreciate the adaptability of the classes,”
The club is also working in partnership with the Hapori team at the Nelson City Council to develop programmes for former refugees and migrant communities.
New apparatus, specialised platforms and innovative training aids will add to the experience for gymnasts. A mezzanine floor has been added for optimal viewing and there are improvements to the gym’s kitchen and bathroom.
The mezzanine creates a more comfortable and user-friendly space for hosting birthday parties, holiday programmes, kindergarten visits and other social and community-centred events.
The project was made possible through support from Rātā Foundation, NZ Community Trust, and Lottery funding from Te Puna Tahua Lottery Grants Board. Mainland Foundation, Pub Charity Ltd, The Lion foundation, Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa, Foodstuffs South Island Community
Trust and council’s Hapori team also contributed to equipment upgrades and the expansion of the gym’s programme offering. Local businesses have thrown their support behind the project, contributing materials for the upgrades.
“One of the most important aspects ... was having the support of past members, and local businesses who generously donated their time and materials to make the project a success,” Gymnastics Nelson project co-ordinator Cindy Mosey said.
Rātā Foundation chief executive Leighton Evans said the project showed the strength of community collaboration: “For communities to thrive, it is important people have equitable access to activities that support their health and wellbeing. This collaboration to address accessibility barriers at the current Gymnastics Nelson facility will help to increase participation in sport and recreation, particularly among under-served communities in the region.”