Running track project reaches the finish line (From This is Hampshire)

Running track project reaches the finish line

2:00pm Monday 2nd July 2012 in Gazette By Helen Morton

FITNESS fans in Chineham are celebrating after a brand new running track and outdoor gym equipment was unveiled at the village hall.

The 300-metre track and two adult fitness stations can be used by the whole community for free.

The project, which also includes improvements to existing play equipment, is estimated to have cost a total of £90,000. It was funded mainly through section 106 money – payments made by a developer towards local infrastructure.

Lottery funding money was also put towards the project, and both the borough council and parish council also contributed financially and worked together to make the plans a reality.

Members of Chineham Park Running Club were at the opening, and chairman Jon Matthew said they were thrilled with the new facility.

He said: “We were approached and asked for our thoughts about whether there was a need in the area for this track and we were fully behind it.

“It’s a safe place where people can run without worrying about drivers, and it’s available to everyone.”

David Wickens, chair of Chineham village management committee, said: “This is a first for Chineham and we think maybe a first for the borough. A lot of hard work has gone into making it all happen and we’re delighted it’s finally open.”

Borough mayor Councillor Martin Biermann really got into the swing of things after officially opening the facility, conquering the monkey bars and having a go on the adult fitness stations.

He said: “It came about because older residents pointed out that we kept on providing things for younger residents and said ‘what about us?’ “The fitness stations can be used by people of all ages and are perfect for people who want to take gentle exercise.

A Chineham ward member, Cllr Biermann said: “I’m particularly pleased to be opening such a fantastic facility in my own patch.”