Hailsham Town Council Prioritises Safety and Investment in Outdoor Fitness Facilities

Hailsham Town Council is continuing its proactive approach to supporting healthier lifestyles by investing in, maintaining and regularly monitoring outdoor exercise facilities across its public open spaces.

With a strong focus on community wellbeing, the Council is committed to ensuring that residents of all ages have free and convenient access to safe, high-quality opportunities for physical activity. Parks and open spaces across the town play a vital role in encouraging people to stay active, improve their fitness and enjoy the benefits of outdoor exercise.

Among these spaces, the Western Road Recreation Ground remains a key location for recreation and wellbeing. In recent years, the site has undergone significant improvements, including the installation of a new all-weather perimeter path in 2020. Funded through over £137,000 of Section 106 developer contributions, the path provides year-round accessibility for walking, jogging and cycling, helping to make physical activity more accessible to all.

Building on this, the Town Council completed a major upgrade of the outdoor gym equipment at the recreation ground in 2024. Funded through Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) contributions, the project forms part of a wider programme of investment in recreational facilities across Hailsham and ensures the gym equipment is fit for purpose for the next 10-15 years.

The outdoor gym is open 24 hours a day and has been designed to encourage residents to incorporate exercise into their daily routines in an inclusive, informal and cost-free way.

A similar facility is also maintained at Maurice Thornton Playing Field in the eastern part of the town, offering a range of equipment designed to support strength, cardio and mobility training, including rowing, step and resistance-based exercises.

Central to the Council’s approach is an ongoing commitment to safety. All outdoor gym equipment is subject to strict health and safety standards, with regular inspections carried out to identify and address any issues arising from wear and tear or vandalism. This ensures that equipment remains safe, reliable and ready for use at all times.

Tony Lee, Operations and Facilities Manager at Hailsham Town Council, said: “Regular inspection and maintenance of our outdoor gym equipment is a top priority. We carry out routine safety checks to ensure everything remains in good working order and meets the required standards. By taking a proactive approach, we can quickly address any issues and provide residents with facilities they can use with confidence.”

Councillor Mary Laxton, Chair of the Assets Management Committee, added: “The Town Council is fully committed to promoting healthier lifestyles within our community. By investing in and carefully maintaining our outdoor exercise facilities, we are helping to remove barriers to physical activity and making it easier for residents to stay active without cost. These spaces are an important asset for the town, and we want to ensure they remain safe, accessible and beneficial for everyone.”