Background
For the last few years, the Parish Council has been working with Durham County Council (DCC) to develop a project to supplement the existing young children’s play area on the School Avenue Recreation Ground by the provision of:
- An Adult Outdoor Gym with equipment designed for use by residents of all abilities and fitness. The equipment will also be suitable for use by teenagers.
- A family seating area, consisting of benches, picnic tables and a tree seat
Outdoor Gym
Following a community consultation exercise a specification for the gym equipment was agreed by the Parish Council. As DCC own the site and will be responsible for maintaining and insuring the gym equipment, the proposed equipment had to be approved by DCC. Having secured the necessary grant funding for the project on behalf of the Parish Council, DCC then undertook a procurement exercise for the equipment and its installation. Whilst there has been a delay, the project is gathering pace with installation work expected to start on site in the coming weeks.
Family Seating Area
Once the GYM is complete, the street furniture for the family seating area can then be installed by DCC. This part of the project is being financed from grant funding secured by the Parish Council.
Fencing
A third element of the project is currently being developed to fund the installation of fencing around the site. This will be progressed as soon as options for the fencing is discussed and agreed with DCC and all necessary funding secured.
These additions will enhance the leisure provision within the parish and we hope that this investment will provide a suitable environment for people of all ages to enjoy using the recreational facilities within the park for many years to come.
