A Fitness Track for Westfield

Arising from the consultations for the Neighbourhood Plan, the fitness track at Westhill has been a long-awaited asset for the parish. It consists of a track around the perimeter of the recreation ground with 12 separate insets for outdoor gym equipment.

Our research showed that the fitness tracks and gym equipment which prove most popular are those which are accessible to all. So we have chosen pieces which can be used by people of all abilities and which rely on one’s own body weight rather than the resistance equipment of the type you would find inside a gym. We have also widened the range of accessible equipment, such as the inclusive chest pull down and the inclusive hand bike, and picked items which work the full range of muscle groups. Promoting fitness was a key motivator for this initiative. Dr Phil Whitaker, Senior Partner of Westfield GP Surgery, said: “The team at Westfield Surgery are thrilled to learn of this initiative to create outdoor fitness facilities in Westfield Recreation Ground. Sedentary lifestyles and weight problems are among the biggest health risks our patient population faces, and we warmly welcome this excellent proposal which will provide incentive and opportunity for Westfield residents to increase exercise and improve their health.” We are delighted that Westfield TT Running Group are embracing this initiative and plan to make full use of the fitness track in their running regimes. Founder of the group, John Reynolds, says: “This will open up so many opportunities for families, sports groups and individuals. I think it will be a great chance also to help the younger generation to enjoy more physical activity by providing additional interest. Really looking forward to seeing this new project happen in the heart of Westfield”.

Many sectors of the community have seen the potential of this project. As Bev Craney, Chief Executive of SWALLOW, said: “SWALLOW support the idea of the fitness track. Fitness tracks are a very good way for people with a learning disability to exercise as they are safely away from roads and therefore enable people to take part in running/sports events that they may otherwise not be able to take part in. SWALLOW have used these fields to hold a Sports/Activity Day in the past and the fitness track will be a great asset on these occasions.”

Mark Graham of Avon and Somerset Police, said: “Having come along to some of the Green and Open Space Working Group meetings, I am pleased to say that I have seen this idea grow from a suggestion around the table into a fully fledged plan of action. This of course shows that Westfield Parish Council are dynamic in their choices of how to provide fantastic facilities for the community. The diversity of the development is fantastic and outreaching to all demographics of the community, providing play areas for young children and fitness to all, dog walkers, families with pushchairs and access for those with disabilities.”

Our thanks go to B&NES' S.106 department and to the Big Local for Radstock and Westfield for funding this project. Rob Wicke, from the Big Local, said: "The Radstock & Westfield Big Local Partnership are excited to see progress being made on this facility which received an incredible amount of community support in the consultations. We must say congratulations to Westfield Parish Council who put in a lot of hard work

to demonstrate how important the track and gym will be to the local people and how many individuals and community groups are planning on using it. Our investment plan, which is based on community consultation and written by local volunteers, has prioritised the health and wellbeing of local people. This outdoor facility fits perfectly with our aims, we’re pleased to contribute funds towards it and we look forward to seeing it make a positive difference to the health of local people for many years to come."