Workout walk to be created in Saddleworth park

Churchill playing fields in Greenfield. Image courtesy of Google Maps

A ‘workout walk’ is to be created with new outdoor gym equipment in a popular Saddleworth park using cash contributions from housing developers.

Oldham council has appointed Groundwork Landscapes Ltd to install the exercise equipment in Churchill playing fields, off Carr Lane in Greenfield.

The cost of the equipment is £38.2k, which is being funded from Section 106 funding which are infrastructure contributions from developers.

The installation, maintenance and upkeep will be primarily funded from a pot of £150k which was agreed to be used for enhancing open space as part of the planning permission for the Wiggett Homes’ development at Shaw Hall Bank Road.

The project will also see works take place at the playing fields to improve drainage and the footpaths, allowing better access to the woodland footpath network, the path around the perimeter and to the skatepark.

A council report says the principal aim of the project is to ‘improve facilities for residents to exercise and encourage people to move more resulting in an improved population health’.

“This will be a great resource for the current users of the playing fields and encourage new people to get active and spend time outdoors, giving the community options for free fitness activities, promoting healthy lifestyles and encouraging residents to spend time outdoors in communal spaces,” the decision notice states.

“Churchill Playing Fields is a well used sports and recreation park facility and the proposed enhancements make effective use of the existing woodland walk area and space adjacent to the pitches and skatepark.

“The works will also improve drainage and access throughout the year to the existing perimeter walking/running route and skatepark with sustainable drainage systems that will also enhance the biodiversity within the site and slow the flow of surface water run-off.

"Therefore, helping to relieve demand on engineered systems and watercourses.”

The report states that there is proposed to be an activity opening day which would see a personal trainer and a sports scientist attend the park to deliver demonstration sessions of the new equipment, and educational talks.

However, a date has yet to be announced.

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