Outdoor gym equipment has appeared all the way round the Boxhill Recreation Ground. Some of it was still partly wrapped on Saturday – near the old Workhouse wall, that incidentally somebody was mending.
But some equipment was usable and the children playing football with St Edmunds Football Club had a go before their match kicked off.
Outdoor gyms have grown in popularity in recent years.
The first outdoor gym area in Abingdon was created about three years ago on the Ladygrove Meadow Play Area, near the Drayton Road bridge. Such gyms are free to use and don’t need membership.
I think these are great. How about one in the Abbey Meadow/park area? As well as fun and useful, it might encourage people off the boats to use the facilities and even the town. Could take a walking/jogging route around the area.
Very nice to see, easy to us, and to no cost, just warm up by walk to the outdoor gym!
Can someone remind us which Council should get the credit for this? We are all good at criticising their shortcomings so it would be nice to know who to praise!
This is a Town Council recreation area.
Sorry – I meant to go on to say that some play areas are owned by the Town Council and some are owned by the Vale District Council.
Abbey Meadow is Vale Council
The two put in place so far are Town Council, the first one was done with the support of the current Lady Mayor (and my better half) Samantha Bowring. The first one we saw was when we took our kids to the local park when we were visiting my dad in my home town of Redcar.
I like the idea of one for Abbey Meadow – possibly even a bigger trail. The Councils should work together to improve that whole area anyway.
I really ought to give this a go. Is it obvious what you are supposed to do on the different equipment?
Fiona – I think there is a little diagram on each piece of equipment
The Boxhill equipment is a result of me asking for over a year for it – its in my ward. I pushed for this because I thought it would be a good thing but all I have had so far is complaints from the nearest neighbours because of fears that the equipment sited close to their houses will attract trouble makers.
I’m really pleased to get some positive feedback.
I don’t think there have been any problems with the ones in Ladygrove Meadow – and I can’t see why they would particularly attract trouble makers.