At least 10 outdoor gyms to be rolled out as part of 2018 Games legacy

OUTDOOR gyms will begin rolling out across the Gold Coast from June as a “legacy project” for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

Council has just approved 10 new outdoor gyms for the coast beach areas. AMPM Fitness guru Johann Ofner (m0422728042) uses the fitness equipment at Burleigh and would love to see more of it to train on. Photo: Kit Wise

OUTDOOR gyms will begin rolling out across the Gold Coast from June as a “legacy project” for the 2018 Commonwealth Games.

The 10 free outdoor gyms will be built on existing disused council facilities and will feature multiple exercise stations and different equipment.

The first will open at Varsity Lakes in June where half an existing council-owned basketball court will be converted to host the equipment.

Tyson Kiernan and AMPM Fitness guru Johann Ofner use the fitness equipment at Burleigh and would love to see more of it to train on. Photo: Kit Wise

Burleigh fitness fanatic Tyson Kiernan works out often with friend Johann Ofner and said he looked forward to exercising in the new locations.

“I love outdoor exercise equipment and it is great to be able to keep fit while outside enjoying the scenery, rather than inside in a gym,” he said.

The project will be jointly funded by the Gold Coast City Council and Real Insurance, a private company which yesterday handed over $200,000 to fund the first 10 facilities.

They are based on similar services offered in London in the lead-up to the 2012 Olympic Games.

While the first location has been selected, others are yet to be named, though it is expected there will be at least three in the Robina and Varsity region.

Mayor Tom Tate announced the funding while on the campaign trail but the project will proceed even if he is not returned to office at the March 19 election.