Get physical with the Borough’s new exercise stations

WITH construction complete and coronavirus restrictions easing, residents and visitors to the Borough of Queenscliffe are being invited to try out new open-air gym equipment.
A joint initiative of Queenscliffe Rotary, the state government, and the Borough of Queenscliffe, the project features outdoor gym equipment at Queenscliff’s Princess Park and on the Point Lonsdale Foreshore.
Both sites allow for a range of exercises to be completed across different fitness levels, including equipment specially designed for seniors at the Point Lonsdale site.
Locals voted to make the project their most popular suggestion in the state government’s Pick My Project program, securing $127,000 of state funding.
“Supporting community initiatives like this new gym equipment is exactly what the Pick My Project program was designed to do,” Bellarine MP Lisa Neville said.
“I’m delighted to see this equipment open for residents to use and I congratulate Queenscliff Rotary and its members on their initiative in nominating this great project.”
Peter Deacon, Queenscliffe Rotary’s project lead on the initiative, said the new facilities couldn’t come at a better time.
“Recent coronavirus restrictions have shown us how important it is to make exercise safe and accessible for everyone.
“These free stations are suitable for a range of different skill levels, and will help our community keep fit and healthy while enjoying some of our most popular public parks.”
Queenscliffe mayor Ross Ebbels encouraged residents to try the equipment for themselves and see how they might incorporate it into a daily walk, a visit to the park, or other exercise.
“While we’re looking forward to holding a formal opening later in the year after restrictions ease, we want to make this equipment available to everyone right away,” he said.
“I’m excited to try out the equipment, and I’m looking forward to seeing how residents make use of the new facilities.”
The Pick My Project initiative ran in 2018, with more than 95,000 Victorians casting votes for their favourite community projects.
With support from the Rotary Club of Queenscliffe, the outdoor gym equipment project was the most popular initiative in the Borough, receiving 161 votes.
The Borough of Queenscliffe, the federal government and Queenscliffe Rotary supplied further project funding.