Bonnyrigg Fitness Trail
Fitness Trail Completion March 2017
Bill Macdonald had the vision for the fitness trail several years ago and has worked doggedly to turn the idea into a reality. This video describes the story of the fitness trail up to its opening on Sunday 5th March 2017.
Bill Macdonald had the vision for the fitness trail several years ago and has worked doggedly to turn the idea into a reality. This video describes the story of the fitness trail up to its opening on Sunday 5th March 2017.
Bonnyrigg Fitness Trail Project
Bill Macdonald, has a vision to have an outdoor fitness trail in Bonnyrigg, with outdoor work out equipment stationed along the perimeter of George V Park, and hopefully connecting other green areas in the town with more stations, as a second phase.
A year ago he came to Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council to see if he could fund and coordinate it as a Community Council venture. We all thought residents would think it a great plan. It is still in the funding stage. Bill put in a two phase grant application for 8 fitness trail stations around the 1 km perimeter of King George V park. First to the National Airport Fund and recently to the Tesco Bag scheme.
The stations are specifically designed to promote, heart and lung improvement, endurance, balance coordination and flexibility. The equipment provides an interesting and varied workout, suitable for casual users, fitness fanatics, and the elderly. Something thats free at the point of use for 14-114 yr olds.
We are hoping to raise £23,000 to buy and install 8 ‘Fresh air Fitness’ stations, for example:
Each station would have an advice panel. The plan is to have route cards printed for people to track their personal progress. If funding is successful we plan to run a consultation with users and youth, to decide which particular stations to get.
Bill has secured the enthusiastic endorsement of Scottish Olympic Gold medalist Katherine Grainger (Rowing) and the general support of Midlothian Councils Leisure and recreation department. Last year residents demonstrated their support for it.
Out door fitness trails are growing in popularity in London and Northern Ireland. Bills interest stems from his passion for marathons and endurance events. He was a founder member of the Scottish Triathlon Association in 1983 and believes its better exercising outdoors in fresh air when you can.
We are hoping that over the next year enough funds will be raised for the first phase of the trail (£17,000).
Recently local Councillor Constable agreed to contribute £5,000 of Midlothian Council funding.
Bill Macdonald, has a vision to have an outdoor fitness trail in Bonnyrigg, with outdoor work out equipment stationed along the perimeter of George V Park, and hopefully connecting other green areas in the town with more stations, as a second phase.
A year ago he came to Bonnyrigg and Lasswade Community Council to see if he could fund and coordinate it as a Community Council venture. We all thought residents would think it a great plan. It is still in the funding stage. Bill put in a two phase grant application for 8 fitness trail stations around the 1 km perimeter of King George V park. First to the National Airport Fund and recently to the Tesco Bag scheme.
The stations are specifically designed to promote, heart and lung improvement, endurance, balance coordination and flexibility. The equipment provides an interesting and varied workout, suitable for casual users, fitness fanatics, and the elderly. Something thats free at the point of use for 14-114 yr olds.
We are hoping to raise £23,000 to buy and install 8 ‘Fresh air Fitness’ stations, for example:
- Double cross country skier
- Chin up bars
- Tia chi spinners
- Parallel bars
- Sit up bench
- Arm and pedal bike
- Shoulder wheel (wheel chair friendly)
- Simple bike
Each station would have an advice panel. The plan is to have route cards printed for people to track their personal progress. If funding is successful we plan to run a consultation with users and youth, to decide which particular stations to get.
Bill has secured the enthusiastic endorsement of Scottish Olympic Gold medalist Katherine Grainger (Rowing) and the general support of Midlothian Councils Leisure and recreation department. Last year residents demonstrated their support for it.
Out door fitness trails are growing in popularity in London and Northern Ireland. Bills interest stems from his passion for marathons and endurance events. He was a founder member of the Scottish Triathlon Association in 1983 and believes its better exercising outdoors in fresh air when you can.
We are hoping that over the next year enough funds will be raised for the first phase of the trail (£17,000).
Recently local Councillor Constable agreed to contribute £5,000 of Midlothian Council funding.