Bovey Tracey park to receive a major £60,000 fitness boost later this year

Plans to replace the ageing outdoor gym at Mill Marsh Park, Bovey Tracey, are progressing with construction expected to start later this year.

Members of the Town Council’s Recreation, Parks and Property Committee heard on Monday, October 13, that after due diligence and competitive tendering, a preferred supplier had been identified for the £60,000 scheme.

A new location close to the skate park has also been selected. Other sites had been considered, including one next to the new children’s play park, but national guidelines recommend against that on the basis of safety. 

Another consideration was to keep much of the park available for large events such as the annual craft fair and community picnics.

Mayor Cllr Sheila Brooke told the meeting that the current location, close to the River Bovey and along the trees, was less than ideal owing to potential damage to tree roots and erosion caused by people moving from one piece of equipment to another. 

Some people had also expressed concerns that the site was somewhat remote from the rest of the park.

The new training area will have a continuous rubberised surface, and users will be able to download a free app to assist with their fitness regime. 

There will also be organised community health events provided by the supplier at no extra cost to the council or taxpayers. The old site will be restored to grassland.

After the meeting, Cllr Brooke said: 

“I’m very proud that a town of our size will continue to offer such terrific facilities with Mill Marsh Park being the envy of many other communities. 

“With the outdoor gym being given a new lease of life and the Wray Valley Trail passing through the park, Bovey is establishing itself as a destination for walkers, cyclists and all those keen to pursue healthy outdoor facilities. 

And don’t forget we’ve also our wonderful community-operated seasonal open-air swimming pool just up the road too and we thank the Association for their efforts in keeping that available to all.”

The new location will boast a rubberised surface with users able to download a free app to make the most of their training. Free public sessions will also be on offer from the supplier. 

The old site will be restored and tree roots allowed to spread without damage, and this latest investment comes after an entirely new children’s play park and timber shelter near the skate park.

Further information about the project timeline, funding, and supplier details was provided to The Moorlander by Sheila Brooke, Town Mayor and Chairperson of Bovey Tracey Town Council:

Project timeline: “Construction is due to begin at the beginning of November and is expected to take around six weeks to complete, depending on weather conditions.”

Supplier details: “The preferred contractor is The Great Outdoor Gym Company, appointed via a competitive tendering process. The equipment is manufactured in England, with around 80% made from recycled materials.”

Funding breakdown: “Of the £60,000 project cost, £20,000 will come from The National Lottery Community Fund and Community Infrastructure Levy contributions.”

Old equipment: “The existing gym equipment is in need of repair and does not include inclusive features. All of the old units will be recycled once removed.”

Community use: “The new outdoor gym will include inclusive equipment suitable for all ages and abilities, including wheelchair users.”