A MAYOR has said councillors are looking forward to ‘having a go’ on a new outdoor community gym after it received the green light.

Ulverston Town Council alongside the team at Ford Park announced that a new outdoor gym will be built in the park this year.

Ulverston’s mayor, Councillor Robert Brown, said the gym will provide an opportunity for people of all fitness levels to enjoy exercise and contribute to the council’s mission to promote a healthy town.

“The council is pleased to be a part of this joint project between ourselves and Ford Park to put outdoor gym equipment into such a well-used and well-loved community asset,” he said.

“By putting this exercise equipment in the park it can add to the existing games and fitness equipment so that whole families can enjoy exercising together, whatever their ability or level of fitness.

“It will allow people of all ages to join together and enjoy group exercise.

“Our aim, as a council, is to promote a healthy town, and we believe that this will show health benefits for all of our residents who wish to use it.

“Everyone can start gently and improve as they get fitter.

“This type of equipment is in use in many places, locally-such as Grange- and across the country and has proved to be very popular.

“Grants have been sought to purchase equipment and other areas around Ulverston may like to think about similar projects. Health authorities are able to help with funding.

“We’re looking forward to having a go.”

Ford Park’s chief executive Jill Salmon said her team was ‘really pleased’ that the project had been approved.

“We’re really pleased the equipment will contribute to Ulverston as a healthy town and provide an opportunity for people to exercise in the outdoors,” she said.

“It will be as inclusive as possible, as many people as possible will be able to use it.

“So it won’t just be for the super fit and strong it will also be for people who are trying to build up their level of fitness.

“We’re looking forward to providing as many opportunities for as many people at Ford Parkas we can.”

The council has launched a survey asking for people’s suggestions on what equipment should be purchased which can be found on Ulverston Town Council’s and Ford Park’s social media platforms.