Helping locals get fit for free

A new open air gym has opened for residents of Westcott Park - with funding from the East Acton Ward Forum.

Nine pieces of equipment are available including shoulder press, chest press, hand bike and fitness bike. Each one is designed to work out a different area of the body, creating a complete well-rounded workout.

Catalyst Gateway, the community development arm of Catalyst Housing, found there was a strong desire for people to lead more active and healthy lifestyles. However this was proving difficult as Westcott Park Garden was isolated with few local amenities such as health centres and gyms.

A proposal for an outdoor gym was taken to the East Acton Ward Forum where councillors and members of the public endorsed the project with £16,102 which was used to buy and install the gym.

This new gym complements the Westcott Park Garden which celebrated its first birthday last October.

This community space is being used by voluntary groups to grow their own food, produce honey and eggs and organise social events.

Catalyst Gateway and Groundwork London are also using the garden to deliver training in gardening, conservation and livestock rearing.

30th January 2013