As the weather begins to improve, people in and around Midsomer Norton will now be able to take the opportunity of working out at a new outdoor gym at West Clewes Recreation Ground.

The facility, installed by Midsomer Norton Town Council, offers five exercise stations, a multi-use static ‘calisthenics’ centre with additional balance beams and a forty-meter two-lane all-weather track for running. The gym equipment is suitable for those aged over fourteen and comprises of an inclusive Chest Press, an inclusive Hand Bike, a double Leg Press, a double Surfer, a Skier, a set of balance beams and the calisthenics centre which is set on a safe rubberised ‘wet pour’ surface. Together, the equipment stations allow for up to fifteen people to exercise at any one time.

The Town Council secured funding from B&NES Council through developer contributions to pay for the gym, the contract for which was awarded to Wicksteed Playgrounds after a competitive tendering process at the end of 2015. The facility will be free for all users and will provide those people who don’t feel comfortable at a conventional gym, or cannot afford the membership costs, with an opportunity to get fit and improve their health.

Deputy Mayor Cllr Steve Plumley led the project along with Town Clerk, Clive Stilwell, supported by experts at B&NES Council.

“It’s great to see the Recreation Ground offering something more than a play area and a football pitch – we as the Town Council hold the land in trust for the people of the town to use. We hope to see lots of people at the opening and even more taking up the opportunity to use this free exercise equipment. The Olympics in 2012 were supposed to leave a legacy of healthy exercise and an interest in sport and we can think of no better way to celebrate this Olympic year than with the opening of the outdoor gym,” said Cllr Plumley.

An official opening will take place on Sunday, 1st May at 1 p.m. as part of a charity day that is being run by Welton Rovers. Town Mayor, Cllr Paul Myers and Cllr Plumley will open the facility along with Olympic torch bearer, Ellis Grubb, who has been heavily involved for some time in encouraging people to exercise.

Mr Grubb will be bringing the Olympic torch to the event and showing how the equipment can be used. Each station has a QR code that can be scanned with a smart phone to see videos and instructions on how to use it and the two inclusive stations are designed to allow wheelchair users full access.