More residents have the opportunity to keep fit on the go for free and look after their health with another outdoor gym now up and running in the borough.
The latest outdoor gym located in Purley Way Playing Fields in Waddon Way, next to Waddon Community Centre, is decked out with a range of easy-to-use equipment for all ages.
The gym officially opens with a special event from 12pm to 3pm tomorrow (Saturday 23 June). Local people are invited to attend on the day to enjoy the equipment and watch demonstrations by a qualified personal trainer. Goody bags will also be handed out with information to help residents adopt healthier regimes in their daily routine.
The flexible nature of the gyms, also known as outdoor active spaces, means that people can work out for as little or as long as they like. The equipment is free-to-use all year round and people will benefit from the fresh air and enjoying the scenery.
Being active for just five minutes every day can help improve a person’s mood and self-esteem, as well as physical fitness.
Croydon Council is investing up to £370,000 to roll out a total of five active outdoor spaces across the borough. One is already set up in Goldcrest Way in New Addington, with others planned for King George’s Field and Grangewood Park.
Mental health charity, the Matt Palmer Trust, is also contributing £100,000 towards the costs. The trust is a non-profit organisation that supports the mental wellbeing of men of all ages in the UK and Ireland.
The Purley Way Playing Fields gym is also partially funded by a grant ward councillors receive to spend on local priorities, and by the Croydon Almshouse Charities.
Plans are also in place for regular exercise sessions with professional fitness trainers at the Purley Way site to increase the number of users and encourage longer-term use.
Similar gyms are already in place across Croydon located at Lloyd Park, Duppas Hill, Coulsdon Memorial Ground, and Thornton Heath and Sanderstead recreation grounds, and are regularly used by a wide range of people.
“Our aim is to maximise the use of Croydon’s parks and open spaces by making these areas appealing and accessible to people from all walks of life. The new outdoor gyms mean that our residents can enjoy the great outdoors while also staying in shape at their own pace, and all for free too.”
Councillor Oliver Lewis, cabinet member for culture, leisure and sport
