Thursday 24 May 2018

New fitness areas in pipeline for Newcastle

BY LAUREN FREEMANTLE

A plan to provide outdoor exercise equipment for community use has been proposed by Newcastle City Council and is awaiting public feedback.

Six of the new fitness stations would be installed at Camp Shortland, Newcastle Beach, Nesca Park, National Park, Griffith Park and on the Fernleigh Track, in order to help keep locals in-shape.

The stations would include chin-up bars, sit-up benches and other static apparatus to assist muscle strength and cardio fitness.

Council's vision is to have one exercise site across the city per 18,000 people by the year 2026, as the number of Newcastle residents climbs to 180,000.

Later on, the number will be reduced to one fitness station per 12,837 people, to bring us in line with Australia's metropolitan hubs.

"This strategy is a win for everyone who likes to exercise outdoors and also for areas of Newcastle that will get a boost from the daily presence of fitness enthusiasts," Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said.

She's encouraging residents to have their say.

"As well as healthier bodies," the Lord Mayor continued, "these will also encourage greater social interaction for better communities, so I urge Novocastrians to take a look at this draft strategy and to let us know their thoughts about our plan."

Submissions will close on the 20th of June.

Give me 20: People getting fit at Lambton Park. Image: NCC.