Why keeping fit in Market Drayton could be a 'walk in the park'

Exercise equipment could be installed in every park in the town to keep adults active.

At a meeting of Market Drayton Town Council this week, councillors discussed the idea put forward by Councillor Mark Whittle for adult exercise equipment.

He said: "Outdoor adult exercise equipment is very successful nationwide so I think we should look into it in Market Drayton.

"We have recently successfully refurbishment our play areas and therefore are providing equipment for toddlers up to 16 year olds areas to keep active outdoors but we don't have anything for adults.

"Lots of adults take their children to the park and then sit there watching. Instead they could be using the equipment to stay healthy and active.

"I am not thinking we create Muscle Beach but just have a few pieces of equipment in each park for adults to use.

"I think this is something we can roll out across all parks over the next five years."

Councillor John Cadwallader added: "I support this idea. The town park is a great facility and a lot of children use it to keep active.

"It would be good to provide something for adults as well.

"I suggest we go to Shropshire Council for suggestions about what kind of equipment we can look at purchasing."

Julie Jones, town clerk, said she would approach Shropshire Council and also do some research about what equipment they could install and some ideas about pricing.

Outdoor gyms - or adult playgrounds - have been growing in popularity in recent years.

The idea of an outdoor gym is to place it in people's way. They are often installed next to children's playgrounds, therefore encouraging parents to use the fitness equipment while their children play.

In April the company Ludus was awarded a £25,000 contract to build a new toddler play area in Longlands.

In addition the nearby run-down play area at Longlands, off Linden Way, was transformed with a new adventure play area.

The revamp-improved play area also forms part of The Zone project which was awarded £375,726 from the Big Lottery Fund earlier this year.

The project has also been given a £100,000 boost from Market Drayton Town Council.

The Zone project was set up by resident Kate Venables about three years ago after feeling there was a lack of “community spirit” in the town.