Parish council awards £50,000 outdoor gym contract

Haydon Wick Parish Council has announced the awarding of a £50,000 contract to establish a fully-equipped outdoor gym facility at White Eagle Play Area in Haydon End.

The parish council says it recognises the importance of community health and fitness facilities, and the area was selected as an extension of the popular play area which already includes a multi-use games area and an idyllic green open space, making it a community hub for all ages.
Following a comprehensive public consultation that engaged over 200 residents, the parish council agreed to award the contract to Harlequin Playgrounds Ltd, a local company based in Haydon Wick, to design and install the new community fitness equipment.
The council says Harlequin Playgrounds were selected based on their impressive design, early engagement and extensive knowledge of the equipment which really captured the specification and the brief of the project.
The Parish Council is committed to making all refurbishments of play areas accessible and has consulted with local accessibility charities to obtain feedback on the designs.
The decision comes after a three-month consultation and tendering process and engagement meetings with various suppliers.
The Chairman of Haydon Wick Parish Council, Cllr Vinay Manro, said: "This outdoor gym represents one of the most significant investments in community health facilities that our parish has seen in recent years. The response to our consultation demonstrates just how much our residents value opportunities for outdoor exercise and community wellbeing.
"We're particularly pleased to be supporting a local business that understands our community's needs."
Key findings from the public consultation included:
- 78% of respondents prioritised equipment suitable for all fitness levels and ages
- Multi-generational exercise stations were the most requested feature
- Residents emphasised the importance of low-impact equipment for older users
- Accessibility for wheelchair users and those with mobility issues was highlighted as essential
Based on these findings, the outdoor gym will feature a comprehensive range of equipment including:
- Accessible hand & pedal bike
- Accessible Combi
- Cross trainer
- Stepper
• Shoulder press
• Bicep Curl all with adjustable resistance levels
• Calisthenics rig
The wet pour surface will be black with green flecks to enhance the design and blend in with the natural surrounds, ensuring a safe area which can be used in all weathers. The site will be secure with fencing to keep dogs away from the exercise area.
Harlequin Playgrounds Ltd, who undertake play and fitness installations across the county, will begin work in early September with completion expected by early November.
The company's Managing Director, Liam Andrews, said: "We're delighted to have been selected by Haydon Wick Parish Council for this important community project. While we complete similar projects all over the country, forming a partnership between our local business and our local parish council is really special, and makes this a true community collaboration.
"It's a great opportunity to not only create a fantastic outdoor space for people to enjoy but also provides a boost to the local economy by using a local business with local labour and suppliers. Our highly experienced team are committed to delivering an outdoor gym installation that not only meets the high standards expected but truly reflects what local people have told us they want and need, which we have reflected in our design.
"We can’t wait to be a part of this project with Haydon Wick Parish Council."
Cllr Richard Hailstone, Chair of Parks & Open Spaces Committee, said "This is exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment that makes communities stronger and healthier. The Parish Council's commitment to proper consultation has ensured that every pound of public money will deliver maximum benefit for local people."
The outdoor gym is expected to be officially opened in November 2025 with a community celebration event. Regular maintenance and safety inspections will be conducted to ensure the facility remains in excellent condition for years to come.
The equipment will be accessible 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is free to use for all members of the public.?