Successful open air exercise pilot project comes to an end

A pilot project has taken place over a nine-week period to enable residents to experience seated exercises within Radipole Park in Weymouth for free. The funding came from the National Community Lottery Fund, through Stepping Into Nature. The aim of the sessions were to develop and deliver opportunities for people to become more physically and mentally active through engaging with the natural environment as they were exercising within nature. 

Gill Taylor, Weymouth Town Councillor and Community Champion, said:

“This is another great example how we can deliver wonderful social activities in a fun way. There were over 49 people who engaged with the project, and so many new friendships were formed. It was great to see people in mobility chairs and scooters along with people who did very little exercise, having a marvellous time and to hear the birds singing away in the background was an experience I will never forget”.

Jules Hammon, Stepping into Nature Project Manager, said:

“It is a pleasure to be able to support schemes like this and help support projects that enable residents to access and enjoy nature at its best.”

Jackie Dukes, Volunteer Manager, said:

“This was such a fantastic project to be part of and I was very sad when the pilot project finished. After the last session we had celebration refreshments including well-earned cake, a great way to end!

“The feedback from everyone was really positive so we are going to try to repeat it in the autumn. We will need to secure some more funding to enable this to happen so if anyone would like to discuss this, please contact me by emailing jackieldukes@btinternet.com or phoning 07857 927190.”