New £21,000 outdoor gym set to open in town park

Wilmslow is set to get an outdoor gym in the town park which will be free for people to use.

Wilmslow Dean Rotary Club in partnership with Cheshire East Council and Wilmslow Town Council are planning to install 'robust' gym equipment in the Carrs Park at a total cost of £21,000.

Speaking at the Town Council meeting on Monday, 21st November, Councillor David Pincombe said "This very worthwhile project provides an ideal opportunity for the Town Council to become involved with other partners to deliver this recreational equipment for community use.

"Not everyone, as you know, has gym membership and this free to use equipment is seen to offer opportunities for the community of all ages. The variety of equipment is of such that a full workout can be undertaken if the user so wishes."

The money will be used to purchase and install ten pieces of equipment: ski stepper, air walker, air skier, trinity cycle, lat pull & chest press combo, rower, leg stretch, twin sit up, bench and dip station.

The outdoor 'Rota Gym' will be owned and maintained by Cheshire East Council who are contributing £15,000 towards the project, whilst £3,500 will come from Wilmslow Dean Rotary Club and £2500 will be provided by Wilmslow Town Council.

Geoff Shelmerdine who came up with the idea said: "I am delighted this Rotary inspired community initiative in partnership with Cheshire East Council - Wilmslow Town Council & Friends of The Carrs has now been given approval and the members of Wilmslow Dean Rotary Club look forward to seeing the equipment put to good use in the very near future".

The Rota-Gym will be located to the right of the tennis courts and is expected to be installed in January.

The issue of potential vandalism was raised to which Councillor David Pincombe responded "On the whole I think the equipment is pretty sturdy. It's not exactly vandal proof but it's close to vandal proof."

Councillor Frank McCarthy explained that Wilmslow Dean Rotary Club carried out a survey of people in The Carrs to ascertain demand for the facility.

He said "Although there are no figures available there was a huge demand from people. A lot of people who use The Carrs anyway are the sort of people who would like to use a gym if it was there and there a tremendous popular acclaim for this sort of thing."

Wilmslow Dean Rotary Club anticipate that 500 to 600 people would use the facilities each month.

Image gives an idea of what the equipment will look like.

Tags:
The Carrs, Wilmslow Dean Rotary Club, Wilmslow Town Council
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Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

Chris Wigley
Wednesday 30th November 2016 at 3:25 pm
................what Meriton Park, Handforth does Wilmslow follows suit a couple of years later!
Terry Roeves
Wednesday 30th November 2016 at 4:55 pm
Extremely popular in Spain, especially on the Costas. A worthwhile investment for us - thankyou all.
Steve 'Buck' Taylor
Wednesday 30th November 2016 at 7:56 pm
Let's hope the people who use the new gym facility understand gym etiquette by respecting the equipment which I hope will last for years see in January.
Rick Andrews
Thursday 1st December 2016 at 7:25 am
Yes, will need regular maintenance and safety checks. Hope that the paint system and materials are corrosion resistant. Great idea though.
Oliver Romain
Thursday 1st December 2016 at 8:34 pm
Excellent news thank you to the rotary club. The current park facilities are mainly for preschool age children so its good to have this kit. We also really need some decent climbing and slide facilities suitable for school age children. Also can we please have the cherry trees back. There is no shade in the play area since they were chopped down.
Jo McGuire
Saturday 3rd December 2016 at 2:35 pm
In future, might there be some table-tennis tables? I have just discovered the ones in Meriton Park and use them whenever possible. Great fun, even in winter!