Community outdoor gym opens in Forres
Forres residents have celebrated the opening of a new £72,000 outdoor gym behind Forres Academy, developed by Forres Community Sports Hub and Forres Community Council.
Lord-Lieutenant of Moray, Major General Seymour Monro CBE LVO, did the honours by cutting the ribbon alongside recently-retired principal teacher of home economics at Forres Academy, Ann Rossiter, who spearheaded the facility’s fundraising campaign through her position as Chair of Forres Community Sports Hub.
The equipment will be inspected and routinely maintained by Moray Council with the community invited to support the fundraising efforts to support this. Forres Sports Hub has started a GoFundMe campaign. There could also be further development of the outdoor gym through this fundraising.
The gym includes a multi-station and multi-user pieces to offer a full body workout, plus seats and shelters. An arm bike, accessible from the seat, or from a standing position, as well as from a wheelchair, offers cardiovascular training to those with less lower-body mobility.
Magnetic bells give users two weights at different strength levels, with exercise boards showing options, from easy to hard, and a free downloadable app will act like a virtual personal trainer, helping gym users to progress and get fitter.
The majority of the project’s £72,000 cost was met by the Berry Burn Community Fund, which committed £45,000. A substantial donation of £12,000 came from the late Colin Lipscomb, £10,000 from the Moray Council Developers Fund, £1,000 from Arnold Clark Community Fund, and £4,000 was granted through a participatory budgeting process called Money for Moray. Further monetary support was provided from Forres Sports Hub.
The Lord Lieutenant said he was delighted to open the gym, which is situated next to the long jump pit, opposite Sanquhar Loch car park.
“This is a fantastic example of successful partnership working, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing this excellent gym being used and enjoyed by people of all ages. This is a super asset for Forres residents and school pupils.”
Ann Rossiter said she was delighted that the facility will provide Forres residents and Forres Academy school pupils with free access to outdoor exercise.
“It has transformed the area and it will be a major community asset that local people can be proud of. I’m so pleased to see it open for everyone to enjoy. I commend all those involved in making it a reality, including our main funder, the Berry Burn Community Fund. The leader of Moray Council Kathleen Robertson also deserves a mention for helping me in her previous role as chair of Forres Community Council to get the scheme off the ground. And I’m really grateful to Moray Council for agreeing to oversee routine maintenance and inspections of the facility, which makes this a possibility for the community.”
Moray Council Leader, Cllr Kathleen Robertson, said: “The facility will provide the locality with an important community space to socialise and exercise at the same time. It proves how working in partnership can deliver physical, economic and social renewal. I’m delighted to see it open. It will allow people to meet up with others and it will become a social activity that is easily accessible to all.”
Forres ward Councillor, Draeyk Van Der Horn, added: “Spending time in green space or bringing exercise and nature into your everyday life can benefit both your mental and physical wellbeing. It can improve your mood and help to connect you to your local community. This outdoor gym will be beneficial to many people and I am delighted to see it open today.”
Councillor for Forres, Paul McBain, said: “This will be a wonderful addition to the town and I know Ann and Cllr Robertson spent many long hours writing to fundraisers to get this important facility up and running for the community. Thanks to them and to everyone who made this possible.”
Forres ward Councillor, Scott Lawrence, also said: “This is a brilliant local community project. Well done to everyone who has helped to make this happen. I would recommend to anyone thinking of getting fit to come down and use it. It’s brilliant and it’s here for everyone to use.”