The fitness stations, which replicate the type of equipment you would find at a commercial gym, gives residents the chance to get their daily workout for free, while enjoying the fresh air.

Mayor Bob Pynsent said the unveiling of the fitness stations was a huge boost to the community.

“Getting outdoors and moving is vital, not only for the physical benefits, but for our mental wellbeing,” Cr Pynsent said.

“Going to the gym or joining a sporting team can be costly and these fitness stations feature gym-style equipment that is free for all to use and caters to all levels of fitness.”

The new fitness stations form part of council’s Bridges Hill Park Playground and Access Improvement project.

The design components of the project include swings and climbing decks, an enclosed toddler play space, a nature play area with balance beams and timber logs, a children’s bike circuit and obstacle course, a basketball hoops, yarning circle, a sensory bush tucker garden and BBQ and picnic areas.

The project will also see improved access to the site, in the form of a new, colour-coded path, stair access, terrace walls, viewing platforms, native re-vegetation and improved seating.

The project also received a welcome funding injection, in 2018, in the form of $936,315 from the state government’s State Government’s Stronger Country Communities Fund and is also funded by the Cessnock Wine Country lions Club, the Federal Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund and the State Government Resources for Regions program. 

For more information on the project visit www.cessnock.nsw.gov.au/bridgeshillproject.