Ewing Park lights up for winter

STAYING fit during the cold and dark winter months is being made easier with the lights at Ewing Park oval to be on at night in a joint initiative of the City of Greater Bendigo and the YMCA.

From the beginning of winter until the start of daylight savings in early October, the oval’s synthetic walking and jogging track will be lit from 5.30pm to 8pm seven days a week.

City active and healthy communities manager Amy Johnston said the YMCA and the Peter Krenz Leisure Centre would also host a free six-week group fitness program using exercise equipment at Ewing Park.

“The six-week group fitness program, which will be guided by qualified instructors, will commence on Monday, June 3 from 5.30pm to 6.15pm,” she said.

But Ms Johnston said bookings were essential, and could be made online at forms.office.com/r/m62MysDHsv.

“This is a great opportunity for residents who may not be involved with a sporting club or gym to get active free of charge and to learn how to use the equipment at Ewing Park on an ongoing basis on their own,” she said.

“Not everyone can exercise during the daytime and lighting up Ewing Park provides an option for people to exercise at a time that suits their lifestyle.

“The 2019 Active Living Census told us that the largest barrier to being physically active for many local residents was being time poor, so this is a way to support residents to be more active at a time that is convenient to them.”

A $4.97 million overhaul of the Ewing Park Recreation Precinct was completed and opened in October last year.

The result is a multipurpose community and sporting precinct for use by people of all ages and abilities.

It features a skate park, a learn-to-ride park and play space, a rebound wall, half-size basketball court, a bouldering/climbing feature, outdoor fitness equipment, and the oval.