THE NEW green gym at Lodmoor County Park has been praised for ‘bringing the community spirit back to the area’ at the official opening this weekend.

Hundreds of parents, supporters and members of the Friends of Lodmoor Country Park group gathered round to see the deputy mayor Graham Winter open the gym with Portland sailor Adam Greaves and two younger members of the friends group, Emma and Isobelle Betts.

The girls’ mum Bridget Betts, worked with the borough council’s parks section to successfully secure a £43,000 Community Spaces grant to install 21 pieces of gym equipment around a 2km trail of the park.

During the event parents and children took part in an active fit class on both the adults’ section and the children’s area.

Health and fitness expert Andy Sloan provided demonstrations and information on how to use the equipment safely and advised on how to get the best workout.

Lodmoor resident and mother Mim Kiddle said: “I think it’s just fab – it’s a lovely open space where you can come and take part in a healthy activity with your children.”

Bridget Betts, Friends of Lodmoor Country Parks project co-ordinator, said: “The very positive comments I’ve received from residents about the green gym and the amount of people already using the equipment just proves how vital the provision of this facility is for our borough.

“The apparatus is suitable for all age ranges and abilities, is open all year round and, most importantly, it’s free to use.”

“I’d like to thank the borough council’s parks officer Tara Gooding for her support in putting the bid together and helping in the delivery of the project. I’d also like to thank Caroline Sharp, land-form landscape architects, who successfully managed the project.”

Carl Dallison, parks manager for the council, said the project had really bought the community spirit back to the area.

He added: “Without the effort and determination of Bridget this project would never have come to fruition, so we are incredibly grateful to her for sacrificing so much of her valuable free time to put the bid together.

“The usage of the country park is increasing all the time as residents, organisations and local families become aware and, in turn, make full use of the new gym, children’s pirate’s ship play area and, the latest addition of a children’s green gym.”

He said that two years ago he held a meeting where residents were complaining about anti-social behaviour and litter in the park, and that since then the area had completely changed for the better.