The Vision
With a growing community and increasing demand for outdoor fitness spaces, Nursling & Rownhams Parish Council sought to revitalise an underutilised green space into a modern, inclusive outdoor gym. The project aimed to:
- Promote physical activity and well-being among residents of all ages.
- Provide free and accessible fitness opportunities within the local park.
- Encourage social engagement by creating a welcoming space for outdoor exercise.
To ensure the design met community needs, Caloo collaborated closely with the Parish Council and a resident-led project team, holding consultations to finalise a fitness space that maximised engagement and usability.
The Solution
Caloo installed a state-of-the-art outdoor fitness area, featuring a mix of cardio, strength, and calisthenics equipment, all set within durable, all-weather surfacing.
Key installations included:
- 21m² of wet-pour surfacing (80mm thick) for cushioned, slip-resistant safety.
- 57m² of SUDS-bond permeable surfacing (35mm thick) to prevent waterlogging and enhance accessibility.
- A variety of fitness equipment for all ability levels, including:
- Low Resistance Airwalker Duo – A gentle, low-impact cardio station.
- Hydraulic Leg Push, Push-Up, and Squat Machine – Offering strength training with adjustable resistance.
- Calisthenics workout station, including monkey bars and an upper workout frame for bodyweight exercises.
- An instructional activity sign, providing guidance on equipment use and safe workouts.
Key Considerations for the project were
- Managing different fitness needs to create a space that was inclusive for all ages and abilities.
- SUDS-bond surfacing, providing long-term durability and effective drainage in a grassland setting.
- Sustainability considerations, including working with existing on-site soil to minimise landfill waste by repurposing soil elsewhere on site.
The Impact
The new outdoor gym has quickly become a community asset, fostering health, fitness, and social interaction.
- Encourages residents to stay active in an outdoor, accessible space.
- Offers a low-maintenance, high-quality fitness area, ensuring long-term usability.
- Provides a space for social engagement, where residents can exercise together and enjoy outdoor activity.
Community Feedback
“I will now combine my walks with some exercise on the new equipment. What a wonderful resource for the village. There is nothing better than exercising among the greenery in the fresh air!”
– Emma, Local Resident
“Caloo has done an amazing job transforming this space. The consultation process was thorough, and the final installation exceeded our expectations. The gym area is already a hit with residents of all ages, and the sustainable surfacing makes it accessible for everyone. Thank you, Caloo!”
– Cllr, Nursling & Rownhams Parish Council