West Clewes Recreation Ground is to be the home of a new outdoor gym for people in the town and surrounding areas to use. Midsomer Norton Town Council, which manages the ground as the Trustee of Midsomer Norton Recreation Ground Trust, has selected a contractor to work on the project, which will see free-to-use gym equipment and a short running track installed on the area surrounding the football pitch.
Five contractors submitted proposals and the winning bidder, Wicksteed Playgrounds, will join with the Town Council in consulting people on the range of equipment they would most likely use and agreeing a final design. A consultation event will be held on Tuesday, 12th January at the Town Hall to encourage potential users to get involved in helping to create a facility that will provide them with an opportunity to improve their lifestyle and health. The consultation event will run from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. in the Assembly Room.
Plans for the facility include encouraging group and individual use and will involve the Sport and Active Lifestyle Team at B&NES Council who already run bootcamps and events for people across the area.
Once a final design has been agreed, installation will start in February, with a view to opening the facility in the spring of 2016.
Councillor and Deputy Mayor, Steve Plumley, who is leading the project with Town Clerk, Clive Stilwell, is hoping that people in the town will get behind the plans and come to the consultation event to shape the design.
Cllr Plumley said: “Having supported Welton Rovers in developing their facilities at West Clewes, the Council is keen to improve the range of activities on offer.
“We are aiming to provide a gym that is inclusive for all, with equipment which can be used from wheelchairs and is adaptable for all ages and abilities to enjoy. The addition of a running track will be a first in the area and we are excited about its potential.”