Greenhill Outdoor Improvement topped off with open air gym

A YEAR-long focus on improving the outdoor environment for the Tenby community and learners at Ysgol Greenhill culminated with the launch of a new outdoor gym.

Coordinated by a committee of school governors, the Greenhill Outdoor Improvement plan included the planting of 6,000 spring bulbs and the creation of a vegetable growing area with several raised beds, fruit trees, habitat boxes, wildflower areas and greenhouse outside the Learning Resource Centre.

Enhancing Pembrokeshire grant funding enabled the project, led by Friends of Greenhill, and supported by Tenby Town Council, to make a real difference to the outdoor offer.

The outdoor gym is free to use, inclusive to all ages and abilities and is positioned with a view over Caldey Island. It is accessible throughout the school day for pupils and during evenings and school holidays for the local community.

There are a variety of multi-purpose pieces of equipment which provide a range of physical and health benefits.

From building strength in all the major muscle groups and developing cardiovascular fitness, to improving flexibility, balance and coordination.

Most importantly of all it is great fun, and the pupils in school are making the most of it at every opportunity.

Leader of Pembrokeshire County Council, Councillor David Simpson, said: “It is a glowing testament as to how the Council and Communities can work together to provide a scheme that will not only be used by the school pupils but the community at large. Enhancing Pembrokeshire is an excellent fund and this is an excellent scheme with an excellent outcome for Tenby.”

Headteacher David Haynes added: “I would like to thank The Friends of Greenhill for providing our fantastic outdoor gym for the pupils of Ysgol Greenhill and the wider community.

“We are immensely grateful to everyone involved, including Pembrokeshire County Council through the Enhancing Pembrokeshire Grant and Tenby Town Council.

“The gym has proved to be very popular with pupils of all ages before, during and after school and has already had a significant impact upon their health and wellbeing.

“We very much look forward to enhancing the school site further to ensure our school and community have the best facilities available for all to enjoy.”

Tenby Mayor Councillor Dai Morgan added: “As a Council we believe it’s vital to have a working relationship with Greenhill. The pupils will only benefit from this.

“It was a privilege to be one of the parties to bring the gym to Greenhill which has so many positives for not just the pupils but also the local community.”