OUTDOOR GYM GIVES BIG LIFT TO COMMUNITY
Persistent work of volunteers pays off
A new outdoor gym in Blairgowrie’s riverside area was officially opened at the weekend.
The project has come about thanks to the efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers – led by the Riverside Venture Group – who have spent five years planning and fundraising for the new equipment.
Perth and Kinross Council Provost Dennis Melloy declared the equipment officially open.
He said: “I remember this place from when I was a wee boy and it was just a pile of rubble after the Muckle Mill burned to the ground and when I see it the way it is now it cheers me up no end – it is a fantastic example of just what a community can achieve.”
A new outdoor gym in Blairgowrie’s riverside area was officially opened at the weekend.
The project has come about thanks to the efforts of a dedicated team of volunteers who have spent five years planning and fundraising for the new equipment.
It is hoped the facility will benefit local residents and visitors to the area alike.
The Riverside Venture Group is behind the project, which is part of wider plans to revitalise one of Blairgowrie and Rattray’s most important natural assets.
The new equipment includes a step-box multi-gym, a double leg press, a chest press and a bike and the project has been supported by Perth and Kinross Council’s Greenspace team, the Community Investment Fund, Tesco Bags of Help Community Fund, the Rotary Club of Blairgowrie and the National Lottery Community Fund.
Brian Smith is one of the founder members of the Riverside Venture Group.
Thanking everyone for coming to the official unveiling of the new equipment, he said: “It’s nice to see so many people here on a day that has been a long time coming.
“It’s been five years since the inception of the idea to the installation of this equipment.
“We would like to say thanks to those organisations that have supported the Riverside Venture Group and helped us to keep our spirits up.
“They include Blairgowrie and Rattray Development Trust, represented here today by Stuart Nichol who was its chair during the development of the project, Blairgowrie and Rattray Access Network, represented by Ian Richards, Proactive Communities, represented by Steve Johnson, Blairgowrie and Rattray Community Council, PKC Greenspace and our three local councillors, Caroline Shiers, Tom McEwan and Bob Brawn.
“Thanks must also go to our funders – the Community Investment Fund, the Community Environment Challenge Fund administered by PKC Greenspace, Tesco Bags of Help Community Fund, the Rotary Club of Blairgowrie, represented here by Bob Ellis – who was its president at the time of the funding award – and last but not least the National Lottery Community Fund.”
Perth and Kinross Council Provost Dennis Melloy declared the equipment officially open.
He said: “I would like to say huge congratulations to the volunteers who have put in all the hard work over the last five years to bring this project to fruition.
“I remember this place from when I was a wee boy and it was just a pile of rubble after the Muckle Mill burned to the ground and when I see it the way it is now it cheers me up no end – it is a fantastic example of just what a community can achieve.
“It is a fantastic thing to have in the town and I am sure it will be well used and much appreciated.”
Local councillor for the Blairgowrie and Glens ward, Caroline Shiers, was also at the official opening.
She said: “It was lovely to attend the official opening of the green gym in Blairgowrie’s riverside area.
“Not only is the new facility fantastic but also it was the first event in a very long time and felt very special with Blairgowrie, Rattray and District Pipe Band in attendance – thanks to them for coming along.
“The gym equipment has been a long time in planning and raising funds and Brian Smith and all the volunteers are to be congratulated for sticking with the project.
“This is very much the first phase of rejuvenating this important area in the town.
“I was very taken by how many visitors were in the area and enjoying what is available.
“We need to enhance our outdoor and indoor offer for locals and visitors and make the most of the boost to the town that can bring.”
The Riverside Venture Group was first formed nearly five years ago as a result of a community engagement exercise which, among other concerns and desires, highlighted the lack of development along the riverside area.
The development of the outdoor gym, which has been delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic and supply difficulties in terms of materials, is hoped will be the first of many along the riverside.