Free fitness for all as new outdoor gym opens in Weston-super-Mare

4:24pm - 16 February 2022
Photo showing new gym equipment installed outside at St John’s Field in Weston-super-Mare.

Local residents are celebrating the creation of a new open air community gym at St John’s Field in Weston-super-Mare.

13 pieces of fitness equipment have been installed by North Somerset Council next to the YMCA building and Weston Mendip Football Club.

Local resident David Connolly came up with the idea three years ago and led the community group behind the project, with support from Alliance Homes’ Neighbourhood Network Team. About the project, David said: “It’s taken a long time and lots of hard work to raise the funds and get everything agreed, so it’s fantastic to see it installed and being used.

“We wanted as many people as possible to benefit from the free gym, so we chose a central location. It’s easy to get to on foot from nearby local housing estates including the Bournville, Coronation and Oldmixon.

“I’d like to thank all of my friends and neighbours for their encouragement. It was them who spurred me on and made me determined to see it through, even when we experienced delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic.”

Mandy Summers, Alliance Homes’ Head of Community Services, said: “The team at Alliance have been really pleased to support this project, we were so happy when the gym was completed two days before Christmas and it’s great to see how popular it has proved to be with local people.”

Project support and funding of £1,300 was provided by North Somerset Council. Grants were also awarded by Enovert Community Trust (£42,000) and the Avon and Somerset Police Community Trust (£3,000).

St John’s Field is located in North Somerset Council’s South Ward where it has two representatives, Councillors Ian Parker and James Clayton.

A photo to show David Connolly, who came up with the idea for the gym, pointing at a sign which includes the logo he designed.
David Connolly, who came up with the idea for the gym three years ago, proudly inspects the logo he designed with help from community networker and artist, Helen Wheelock.

Councillor Ian Parker, said: “I’m delighted to see that we have worked with local partners to deliver this project which helps to tackle health inequalities and improve health and wellbeing in North Somerset.

“Special recognition must go to local resident David Connolly for being instrumental in making this happen. What a fantastic achievement, well done David.

“I encourage residents to use the equipment to keep fit and healthy. Exercise boosts not only physical health but mental health as well. Being outside gives the added benefits that come from plenty of natural light and fresh air.”

Councillor James Clayton, said: “It is really pleasing seeing the community coming together and creating something special for everyone to use and enjoy. This green gym will become a real asset for the area helping to promote good health and wellbeing. I’d like to say a big thank you to all involved as I know so much hard work has gone into making this happen”.

Angela Haymonds, Trust Manager at Enovert Community Trust, said: “The Trustees were delighted to support this open air gym at St John’s Field, which provides a valuable exercise facility for the local community and will hopefully lead to improved health outcomes for current and future generations.”

Alliance Homes is inviting local residents to an official opening of the gym planned for Saturday 26 March. A dedicated Facebook page has been set up for the gym and details of the event will be published there nearer the time (www.facebook.com/stjohnsopenairgym).

 

 

ENDS

  • The equipment was purchased through Proludic. For more information, please visit: www.proludic.co.uk