Member Article

Blyth Council partner with Active Northumberland to launch new fitness centre

A new family fitness area has been unveiled at Briardale Community Centre on the Cowpen Estate, Blyth, following a successful joint initiative launched by Blyth Town Council in partnership with Active Northumberland.

The initiative is reportedly the first of many schemes to be launched through the partnership.

The area includes a range of fitness equipment aimed at all ages including a playspace for youngsters, a multi-use games area and an outdoor gym featuring a range of equipment.

The fitness area was opened with local children, volunteers, staff from the centre, councillors and members of the police and fire service.

Leader of Northumberland County Council, Councillor Grant Davey, said: “This is a great example of organisations working together for the benefit of the community.

“It’s a fantastic facility which can be used by all ages and all sections of the community. It’s the first stage in a long term play partnership between Blyth Town and Northumberland County Councillors that will see play areas redeveloped across Cowpen and Kitty Brewster.

“Our next joint project will be an all age scheme at Axwell Drive Park which will be completed by Easter 2015.”

Briardale Community Centre Manager, Jean Bell, said: “The new outdoor gym is a fantastic new addition to Cowpen Park. We have already had interest from community groups wanting to use the gym for exercise classes!

“The play area is also a welcome addition, giving the youngsters of the estate somewhere to play safely, the entire park is covered by CCTV and the new toys have already proven to be a big success!

“We hope this part of the estate can become a popular family area where parents and children can enjoy a great time together all year round.”