Construction starts on £72,000 outdoor community gym at Sanquhar, Forres
An outdoor gym free for the public to use is being installed outside Forres Academy.
Eight design options for the scheme went on show in June and the community has now voted for their favourite one.
The KOMPAN gym is being installed next to the long jump pit behind Forres Academy, opposite the Sanquhar Loch car park.
It includes multi-station, multi- user pieces, to offer a full body workout, plus seats and shelters.
An arm bike will give cardiovascular training to those with less lower-body mobility. It will be accessible from the seat, or in from a standing position, as well as from a wheelchair.
Magnetic bells will give users two weights at different strength levels, with exercise boards showing options, from easy to hard.
There will also be strength and resistance training options. and a free downloadable app will act like a virtual personal trainer, helping gym users to progress and get fitter.
The gym will be free for the public to use, including Forres Academy pupils.
Recently-retired Forres Academy principal teacher of home economics, Ann Rossiter, spearheaded the fundraising campaign for the outdoor gym through her involvement with Forres Community Sports Hub.
As Chair of Forres Community Sports Hub, Ann started the business plan and research for the facility when she was sports co-ordinator at Forres Academy.
She said: “I’m really pleased to see work getting underway and am sure that this new gym will be enjoyed by all. It’s a great design the community has chosen and I can see it being well used for many years to come.
“Grateful thanks must be given to the conscientious team from Moray Council who have supported and guided us through this process. It’s helpful to know the council will take on maintenance and inspections of the equipment too.”
Moray Council leader Kathleen Robertson, who helped progress the scheme in her previous role as chair of Forres Community Council, said: “‘Ann and I spent many hours completing funding application forms and it is a joy to seeing the project come alive. Collaboration between the Community Council and Sports Hub will provide an exciting resource for our community.”
Forres Community Sports Hub has been working in conjunction with Forres Community Council to secure funding for the project.
The majority of the £72,000 came from the Berry Burn Community Fund, which committed £45,000. A further £4000 was donated through the Money for Moray participatory budgeting process, topping up the £23,000 raised by the community.