Friends of the Park are applying to the Institute Trust for help with purchasing new outdoor gym equipment for Alderley Edge Park.
The volunteers hope to buy equipment, for use by both teenagers and older people, which will be placed around the park.
Due to the cost involved, the intention is to purchase individual pieces as and when funding becomes available. Another suggestion they are considering, which arose from the Parish Plan Consultation, is the idea of creating a small running track, adjacent to some of the existing footpaths in the park.
Kriss Coombes, from The Friends of the Park, has worked alongside local Parish Councillor Duncan Herald to make improvements to the park, which include the football field being drained and the provision of new bins and goal posts. Two new pieces of play equipment, aimed at children up to the age of 12, are also expected to be installed shortly.
Susan Holland, from The Friends said, "We would like to add the provision of such equipment to our continued achievements in the park. Growing obesity and mental wellbeing are key concerns for both national and local government. Taking exercise in this simple way whilst meeting people at the same time can only be a good thing. Outdoor gym equipment in public places has proved to be very popular, in both capital cities and smaller parks throughout the country.
"We are now hoping to make the park even more appealing to all age groups. Unfortunately, the park is little used and costs a lot of money to maintain, particularly the bowling green and pavilion area. By providing this equipment, more people would be able to benefit from the monies already being spent and what the park has to offer.
"Obviously if more people use the park this would legitimise the loos being opened on a more regular basis. Currently, they are only used occasionally, by the bowlers, which seems a little inequitable given the current costs involved.
"In short, local people would not only be getting better value for money but they could also be fitter and healthy as well.
"Donations from the Institute have been made to many worthy local organisations and this is very refreshing given that originally monies were only to be allocated to charitable bodies. Given that the Institute kindly donated some £20,000 to improve the Beech Road play area, we are extremely hopeful that they will look favourably on our application."
The Alderley Edge Institute Trust was established in 2003 following the sale of the Village Institute on London Road. The building was sold for £600,000 and the proceeds were passed to Institute Trust to be used for the benefit of good causes in the area.
During the past eight years the Trust has made grants totalling over £200,000. Several local schools and churches have received funding for building works and new equipment, whilst Alderley District Scout Council and Over Alderley Reading Room both received a grants towards repairs and refurbishment.
Funds have also been granted to Alderley Edge Parish Plan Group, Alderley History Group, two local football teams and the David Lewis Centre, which received money for their sensory play area and an outdoor classroom.
