Outdoor gyms to benefit locals
The Malvern community are to enjoy outdoor gyms after years of requesting such facilities.
THERE are two new outdoor gyms being installed in Malvern this week after years of numerous requests from the community.
Ward 63 councillor Chris van den Berg said residents can find the gyms at the park – one is near the Queensburgh Clinic, and the other can be found at St Augustine’s Park.
“There have been several requests from the community for outdoor gyms in the area. It has taken a while to install, but this was due to processes that had to be followed,” said Van den Berg.
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He said the gyms are part of the eThekwini Municipality Outdoor Gym Initiative which began in 2014 and was started in an effort to promote a healthy city and encourage residents to exercise.
Since then, several gyms have been installed throughout the city and have had a positive impact on communities which Van den Berg hopes will be the same for Malvern.
“I encourage residents to make use of the outdoor gyms and take along their teenagers and young children with them, as well. The gyms are safe and practical, but parents would have to determine whether it would be suitable for their dependents to use,” he said.
The material used to manufacture the equipment is strong enough to withstand the harsh weather elements.
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“So they have been made to last. I also encourage users to take care of them,” he added.
He said that other than the health benefits, the other positives are that the park would gain purpose again as more residents would now come out and use it, and that would create new relationships between neighbours and strengthen existing ones.
“Social cohesion plays a huge role in our community. The outdoor gyms will create a platform for residents of all ages to get to know each other,” added Van den Berg.
The gyms are expected to be completed in about three to four weeks.
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