Jim Dobbin unveils huge activity area in Queens Park

Jim Dobbin MP officially opened a new state of the art outdoor activity area in Queen’s Park in Heywood.

One of the largest of it kind in the UK, the ten piece outdoor play equipment is aimed specifically at older people to strengthen hips, tone legs and generally increase fitness.

The idea for the new ‘playground’ was suggested by the Friends of Queen’s Park after a visit to Dam Head Park, Blackley, where they thought it was a great way to stay active without paying for gym fees.

Fitness favourites including an exercise bike, cross trainer and leg press are just some of the new fitness equipment to be installed at the activity centre.

Kathy Shaw, POPPs Project Manager said: “The great thing about our new activity centre is that it is for all ages, from teenagers through to seniors, from beginners to advanced athletes.”

Peter Cunningham, Head of Environmental Management at Rochdale Council said whilst the value of exercise is well recognised people undervalue combining it with a good lung full of fresh air:

“We need to ensure that sport and active recreation are accessible to all. This is a great way to enjoy exercise all year round and best of all, it's free.”

The activity centre has been funded by Rochdale Borough Council, New Deal for Communities, Partnerships for Older People Project and Friends of Queen’s Park.