COUNCILS
‘I would like to thank everybody at Fresh Air Fitness for making this happen so quickly, and say that it is a wonderful addition to our parish facilities.’ Katy Jones, Parish Clerk
Having set aside budget to improve the physical provisions at Datchet Recreation Ground, it was the community themselves who voted for a new outdoor gym or ‘Green Gym’ for their park. Project ‘Green Gym’ then went through a rigorous tender process. During this tender bidding process, Fresh Air Fitness were invited to visit the site, and this enabled our design team to propose 2 design options for the new gym. The bid needed to include everything from equipment, surfacing, delivery, ground works, installation and any other ancillary items. Fresh Air Fitness were able to show how the proposed budget would be met while fulfilling all requirements with no hidden extras. Datchet Parish Council chose to work with Fresh Air Fitness and opted for the design that included our popular Big Rig amongst other equipment. A gym that would be used by all ages and abilities.
Although the park was substantial in size, the area allocated to the gym was in a much smaller area and in a slightly awkward shape. The Gym had to sit within a restricted triangular area because of underground electricity supply, a MUGA games area that was already installed on site and because the fair and circus use the remainder of the area. The budget needed to incorporate everything, including ground works, rubber mulch surfacing, equipment and substantial signage. The gym also needed to incorporate equipment suitable for wheelchair users.
The Council chose design option 1 which included the Big Rig, our multi-functional outdoor gym, a dedicated disabled piece, Disabled Arm & Pedal Bike and 3 pieces of cardio equipment: Elliptical Cross Trainer, Bike, and Self Weighted Rower. All installed into a rubber mulch surface. Our solution provided 20 user stations in all, allowing up to 20 people to use the gym at the same time. In order to support the installation and maximise usage of the equipment, Fresh Air Fitness also provided a significant amount of support, including additional signage and introductory fitness glasses led by a qualified instructor.
The new ‘Green Gym’ has been very well received by the parish. The community can be found using the equipment regularly, personal trainers hold sessions with clients using the Rig. People of all ages and abilities, including teenagers, are able to use the gym equipment, a positive use of their energy and free time.
I would like to thank everybody at Fresh Air Fitness for making this happen so quickly, and say that it is a wonderful addition to our parish facilities.
KATY JONES, PARISH CLERK