Free family fitness equipment in Priory Park (From Echo)

Free family fitness equipment in Priory Park

7:00am Friday 10th July 2009

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FORGET hefty costs to use the gym. A stroll in the park can now turn into a free family fitness session, thanks to some newly-installed outdoor equipment for adults.

Southend Council and rubbish contractor Cory Environmental joined forces to provide the new kit designed to encourage adults to take more excercise.

Qualified gym instructor, Zoe Randall, was on hand to demonstrate the equipment, near the end of the Priory Park car park, off Victoria Avenue, Southend, by showing a selection of keen VIPs how to use it.

Derek Jarvis, Southend Tory councillor responsible for culture, said: “We are very grateful to Cory Environmental for funding this equipment. We hope it will prove extremely popular.

“It is especially appealing to try taking exercise outdoors in the fresh air, and it costs nothing to use.

“It may also encourage people to take exercise, who might otherwise find if difficult to meet the cost and commitment of indoor gym membership.

“If the equipment is as well-received, and as well-used as we hope it will be, then we will investigate the possibility of installing similar devices in other parks in the borough.”

Resident Eileen Barrowman, 60, from Shoebury, said the new equipment would benefit parents taking their children to the park.

She said: “Playing in the park is traditionally confined to children. Now adults can play too and get fit with their children, which I think is great.

“I will bring my grandchildren along and have a go. I think it’s a great idea.”

Mum Adrea McMahon 30, of Westcliff, added: “I think it is really good. It gives a new dimension to the park, gives an opportunity for people to get fit and encourages families.

“The only problem will be if all this equipment is vandalised. I hope that doesn’t happen.”

Prittlewell ward councillor Ric Morgan tried every exercise when he joined in the fun.

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