Communities in the Caerphilly county borough are set to benefit from new outdoor gym equipment, thanks to investment through a Council home improvement programme.
Caerphilly County Borough Council is delivering the brand-new outdoor gyms as part of its Welsh Housing Quality Standard (WHQS) programme. The WHQS programme will see around £260 million invested into tenants’ homes and their communities, including environmental improvements such as new play areas, skate parks and outdoor exercise spaces.
New outdoor gyms have already been installed as part of the programme in Penyrheol, Gilfach Park Estate, Fochriw and Aberbargoed. A contract for an investment of around £100,000 has now been awarded to outdoor fitness and playground equipment manufacturer Wicksteed, to deliver new outdoor gyms in Graig y Rhacca, Gelligaer and Cefn Hengoed.
Sarah Routledge, a resident in Graig y Rhacca, Caerphilly said, “It’s going to be brilliant having an outdoor gym so close to my house; it will definitely help me keep fit. As a wheelchair user I can’t just go for a run to get my exercise, and as a mother of a very small child it’s really handy that it’s going to be in the same area as the park”.
Maesycwmmer is also set to receive a new outdoor gym facility, with match funding provided by the local Community Council.
Cllr Lisa Phipps, the Council’s Cabinet Member for Housing and Property, added “Creating outdoor exercise and recreation spaces in our communities is more important now than ever, in helping to improve the wellbeing of tenants and their families. It’s great to see the WHQS investment being used innovatively to enhance green spaces and provide facilities that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.”
