Nursling & Rownhams Parish Council: Transforming Green Space into a Community Fitness Hub

Transforming Green Space into a Community Fitness Hub

 

The Vision

With a growing community and increasing demand for outdoor fitness spaces, Nursling & Rownhams Parish Council sought to revitalise an underutilised green space into a modern, inclusive outdoor gym. The project aimed to:

• Promote physical activity and well-being among residents of all ages.
• Provide free and accessible fitness opportunities within the local park.
• Encourage social engagement by creating a welcoming space for outdoor exercise.

To ensure the design met community needs, Caloo collaborated closely with the Parish Council and a resident-led project team, holding consultations to finalise a fitness space that maximised engagement and usability.

 

The Solution

Caloo installed a state-of-the-art outdoor fitness area, featuring a mix of cardio, strength, and calisthenics equipment, all set within durable, all-weather surfacing.

Key installations included:

• 21m² of wet-pour surfacing (80mm thick) for cushioned, slip-resistant safety.
• 57m² of SUDS-bond permeable surfacing (35mm thick) to prevent waterlogging and enhance accessibility.
• A variety of fitness equipment for all ability levels, including:
  • Low Resistance Airwalker Duo – A gentle, low-impact cardio station.
  • Hydraulic Leg Push, Push-Up, and Squat Machine – Offering strength training with adjustable resistance.
  • Calisthenics workout station, including monkey bars and an upper workout frame for bodyweight exercises.
  • An instructional activity sign, providing guidance on equipment use and safe workouts.

 

Overcoming Challenges

The project required careful planning and execution to balance diverse community expectations while ensuring minimal environmental disruption.

Key challenges included:

• Managing different fitness needs to create a space that was inclusive for all ages and abilities.
• Ensuring proper installation of the SUDS-bond surfacing, providing long-term durability and effective drainage in a grassland setting.
• Sustainability considerations, including working with existing on-site soil to minimise landfill waste.

 

The Impact

The new outdoor gym has quickly become a community asset, fostering health, fitness, and social interaction.

• Encourages residents to stay active in an outdoor, accessible space.
• Offers a low-maintenance, high-quality fitness area, ensuring long-term usability.
• Provides a space for social engagement, where residents can exercise together and enjoy outdoor activity.

 

Community Feedback

“I will now combine my walks with some exercise on the new equipment. What a wonderful resource for the village. There is nothing better than exercising among the greenery in the fresh air!”
– Emma, Local Resident

“Caloo has done an amazing job transforming this space. The consultation process was thorough, and the final installation exceeded our expectations. The gym area is already a hit with residents of all ages, and the sustainable surfacing makes it accessible for everyone. Thank you, Caloo!”
– Cllr, Nursling & Rownhams Parish Council