A ‘workout walk’ is to be created with new outdoor gym equipment at a popular park in Saddleworth with cash contributions from property developers.
Oldham Council has appointed Groundwork Landscapes Ltd to install the exercise equipment at Churchill Playing Fields, near Carr Lane in Greenfield.
The cost of the equipment is £38.2k, which is funded by Section 106 funding, which is infrastructure contributions from developers.
LEARN MORE: BREAKING: Greater Manchester mental health chief resigns after patient abuse scandal
Installation, maintenance and upkeep will mainly be funded from a £150,000 pot which has been agreed to be used to improve open space as part of planning permission for the Wiggett Homes development at Shaw Hall Bank Road.
The project will also see work on the playgrounds to improve drainage and pavements, allowing better access to the forest trail network, perimeter trail and skate park.
A council report says the main aim of the project is “to improve facilities for residents to exercise and to encourage people to move more, which improves the health of the population”.
“This will be a great resource for current playground users and encourage new people to get active and spend time outdoors, providing the community with free fitness activity options, promoting healthy living and encouraging residents to spend time outdoors in common areas,” the notice of decision reads.
“Churchill Playing Fields is a well-used sports and recreation park facility and the proposed improvements make efficient use of the existing wooded boardwalk area and space adjacent to the playing fields and skatepark.
“The works will also improve drainage and year-round access to the existing walking/running track and skate park with sustainable drainage systems which will also improve biodiversity on site and slow down the runoff of surface waters, thus helping to relieve the demand on engineered systems and waterways.
The report says there are plans to hold an opening day of the activity which would see a personal trainer and a sports scientist come to the park to offer demonstration sessions of the new equipment and educational talks. However, a date has yet to be announced.
Read more about today’s top stories here
READ NEXT: