KEEP FIT FOR FREE AT PARK GYM
Tunstall latest leisure spot to get £12,000 fitness equipment
FAMILIES have an extra incentive to keep fit after one of the city’s parks opened a £12,000 outdoor gym.
The equipment has been installed at Tunstall Park and features a range of sturdy pieces, including chest and leg presses, a slalom skier and a cross trainer.
People can hop on and use them for free whenever they visit the leisure spot.
The funds have come from housing developers in the city, who have to contribute towards improving community facilities when they build more homes.
Tunstall Victoria Park Trust has overseen the project in partnership with Stoke-on-trent City Council.
Trust secretary Linda Tweats said: “We have already got areas for toddlers and teenagers in the park. We are delighted with the new gym equipment.
“I’ve been on it to have a go today. It’s gone down extremely well with people who use the park.”
The special outdoor pieces have been positioned so they are near to the football pitch and can be used for warm-ups before a game. Nicole Harrison is among the park visitors to try out the equipment.
The 30-year-old, from Longton, said: “It’s brilliant. You are going to get more people involved in exercise, especially kids, if they enjoy it more.
“You can see people using it here who you wouldn’t see in a gym. I would definitely use it again.”
Luke Wareham, a recreational assistant at Fenton Manor and Dimensions, took part in the gym launch at the park.
He said: “The main thing is it’s free and accessible. You might be walking your dog and decide to have a go on the equipment.
“I can also see footballers coming here for their training. It’s a great location, right by the pitch.”
Councillor Anthony Munday, cabinet member for a greener city, development and leisure, said: “The park’s friends group have done a super job.
“There are six or seven pieces of equipment here. It will really help people keep fit and healthy.”
Tunstall is the latest in a series of parks across the area to feature outdoor gyms.