Fitness stations installed by community association

Two fitness stations have now been installed in Turo Park at Wagstaffe and there will be another installation at Killcare according to Wagstaffe-Killcare Community Association committee member Mr Graeme Anderson.

"It all started when two association members were in Port Macquarie and noticed a fitness park down quite close to the sea," Mr Anderson said.

"While they were looking at it closely, the council parks engineer came by to inspect an addition nearby and explained that the equipment was Australian-made and had been absolutely trouble-free," he said.

"They were putting in three more parks as they were so popular.

"The issue was canvassed in the next association meeting, and one attendee commented that we had lots of play areas for kids, so it would be good to get something for grown-ups.

"It was almost unanimously agreed to investigate, and a provision of $50,000 was made in association accounts.

"In discussing this with Council, we found that they were importing overseas equipment that had potential maintenance problem if near the sea, as it was really designed for a fresh water environment.

"Problems had occurred in Council's first fitness parks and some had been closed due to deterioration, so fitness parks were not of high priority."

The association was told that the small local population would not justify the council expenditure, so any equipment would have to be fully financed by the association.

"After much community consultation, it was decided that Turo Park would be the most appropriate place to set the equipment up.

"There was a suggestion that large drainage pipes supposedly running under our site selection may cause a problem, but the association proved that the pipes were not as shown on the park drawings, so Council joined in the proposal.

"Our preference for the Australian equipment was checked with other councils who were quite happy with their equipment in the "marine" version as being low maintenance.

"The association provided the cost of the installation from funds raised over the years.

"It now becomes Council property and Council will maintain it in the future.

"The fitness equipment has six activities, and the way seniors use such equipment in other seniors' fitness areas is for five-minute bursts on as many items as you feel like on the day.

"It has been enthusiastically used by all age groups in the park.

"Turo Park has become a wonderful place for us all in Bouddi, with a first class tennis court, soccer net for all ages, fitness equipment for the grown ups, and play areas for children."

SOURCE:

Newsletter, 30 Nov 2017

Graeme Anderson, WTKCA