Fitness fanatics can wave goodbye to stifling workouts and pongy locker-rooms this summer – with Islington's first alfresco gym.
Whittington Park, N19, has been kitted out with a raft of new machines for fresh air fitness sessions.
The equipment includes a chest press, cross trainer, stepper, leg press and lateral pull-down.
Councillor Ruth Polling, Islington Council's Executive Member for Leisure, said: "This gym is a breath of fresh air for our residents and a great way to get fit this summer without paying a penny.
"We hope it will appeal to people who don't like the traditional gym environment, or just want to try something different.
"This is the latest way to enjoy the borough's growing number of green spaces."
Helen O'Keefe, Islington Primary Care Trust's Public Health Prevention Manager, said: "Providing free access to gym equipment is a fun and innovative concept which could further help Islington residents to undertake their recommended daily exercise.
"The best activity is one that you can fit into your everyday lifestyle and that you enjoy."
The machines, paid for by an education company attached to construction firm Balfour Beatty, sport artwork designed by two local secondary schools.
Highbury Grove and Samuel Rhodes Schools' students have been working together in their Saturday art classes to produce colourful images with a Dick Whittington theme.
Islington Council's Greenspace team has been working closely with the Friends of Whittington Park to ensure its future success.
Other projects in the pipeline include a wildlife pond, new changing rooms and regular volunteering days.
ENDS
For more information please call Chris Weeks on 020 7527 3032 or 07825 098804
PICTURES:
GYM01: Samantha Weller, 16; Cllr Ursula Woolley; Sophia Urumova, five; Islington's Mayor Cllr Stefan Kasprzyk; Alistair Woolley, six
GYM02: Samantha Weller, 16; Sophia Urumova, five; Alistair Woolley, six; Cllr Ruth Polling, Islington Council's Executive Member for Leisure
GYM03: Gym-goers in Whittington Park, N19
Page Last Updated: 29 July 2008