“BCM will be identify suitable land zoned for recreation purposes in a previously disadvantaged area for outdoor gyms. The areas will also be fenced off.”
Ngwenya said the programme to install outdoor gyms was aimed at achieving healthy living.
DA ward 18 councillor Jason McDowell said the James Pearce Park outdoor gym, which has weight training equipment, had 24-hour security when it opened.
Since the opening of the gym last year, there had been no vandalism. However, there was no maintenance and they had lost the security.
“When the lockdown restrictions were introduced, I lost security. I am waiting for phase two of the project to be implemented as there is gym equipment that was bought, but still needs to be installed,” he said.
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BCM promotes healthy living with more outdoor gyms
Image: MADELEINE CHAPUT
Outdoor gyms have long been a growing trend across South Africa and Buffalo City Metro is expanding the number of facilities it has to offer.
The city joined the fitness movement last year with the installation of outdoor gym equipment at James Pearce Park in Stirling and Mdantsane Highway Eco Park. Contractors are on site in Sweetwaters, Breidbach and Dimbaza to roll out the programme for those communities.
Metro spokesperson Samkelo Ngwenya said: “In Bhisho, a gym will be installed at the Bhisho Central Park as it has ample space for the proposed development.”
The project forms part of the metro's integrated development plan, with all 50 wards allocated funds for community projects such as outdoor gyms.
BCM and the national department of sport & recreation signed a memorandum of understanding last month for the installation of an outdoor gym.
Ngwenya said “the agreement between the two parties makes the city one of the municipalities identified to benefit from the national project in the 2020-21 financial year”.
Finding fitness in the comfort of home
“BCM will be identify suitable land zoned for recreation purposes in a previously disadvantaged area for outdoor gyms. The areas will also be fenced off.”
Ngwenya said the programme to install outdoor gyms was aimed at achieving healthy living.
DA ward 18 councillor Jason McDowell said the James Pearce Park outdoor gym, which has weight training equipment, had 24-hour security when it opened.
Since the opening of the gym last year, there had been no vandalism. However, there was no maintenance and they had lost the security.
“When the lockdown restrictions were introduced, I lost security. I am waiting for phase two of the project to be implemented as there is gym equipment that was bought, but still needs to be installed,” he said.
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