Outdoor fitness gym for Miller Park
With support from Cessnock City Council the Samaritans Foundation has secured a $52,000 grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation to build an outdoor gym at Miller Park, Branxton.
Cessnock City Mayor Councillor Bob Pynsent said it was good news in light of troubling research which revealed an estimated 42% of Cessnock City residents were classed as inactive.
“This new outdoor fitness equipment is an excellent asset for our Branxton community and a fantastic opportunity for residents to get active and improve their health,” Cr Pynsent said.
“I’m proud that council has supported the Samaritans in achieving this win for Cessnock City’s health and wellbeing.”
The Cessnock local government area has some of the highest rates of obesity and chronic illness related to inactivity in NSW according to data from public health, university and government sources.
Through the Coalfields Healthy Heartbeat Program, the Samaritans Foundation collaborates on primary health projects seeking to reduce the concerning incidence of dietary and lifestyle related disease in the Hunter Valley.
As part of the outdoor gym funding agreement, signage will be installed recognising Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation’s contribution to the project.
At a council meeting Councillors voted to support naming the equipment the ‘Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Outdoor Gym’ in recognition of the Foundation’s generous contribution to the health and wellbeing of the Branxton community.
Installation works for the outdoor gym are anticipated to be completed mid 2016.
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