A Local Development Programme proposal application to create an outdoor gym in Overtown.

A Local Development Programme proposal application was submitted by Overtown Brighter Village Association, supported by Overtown and Waterloo Community Council, requesting funding to install an outdoor gym in the community park.

This community group has previously worked with the Community Partnership Team over the years to achieve funding for the play area, skate park and dog walking area, and were keen to complete the facilities for the community with a gym.

The Community Partnership Team carried feasibility investigations, to ensure the project was viable. The Community Partnership Officer consulted with the wider community in the form of a survey and in-person meetings with the Brighter Village group to ensure robust engagement that would inform the design specification that led to the procurement of the final design of the outdoor gym. The group also carried out site visits to other outdoor gyms across North Lanarkshire and fed back their preferences for materials and equipment to the Community Partnership Officer.

The creation of a free-to-use exercise facility situated centrally in Overtown Community Park, next to Overtown Community Centre, a welcome addition to the existing play park, skate park and dog walking area.

The new outdoor gym includes 12 different pieces of high-tech and durable exercise equipment including a spinning bike, elliptical trainer, hydraulic squat, and chest press. The gym is installed on state-of-the-art wet-pour surfacing for safer training, and colourful zones.

It was designed for all ages from the local community to improve their mental and physical health and wellbeing. Most of the equipment was designed to be used by people with poor mobility and low strength.

Funding of £45,000 from the Local Development Programme secured this fantastic capital investment for the whole community to enjoy.