Walkers help make Greensiders fitter

Being one of the communities directly affected by Discovery 702 Walk the Talk, the gym was built as a community project through contributions made by walkers who took part in the annual walk last year.

Every year, the organisers engage with the residents’ associations in the suburbs that give up their streets for the walkers each year, and offer them an opportunity to propose projects that will promote health and fitness in their areas.

Last year a basketball court was built at Zoo Lake through the same initiative.

According to a Primemedia public relations official, Pippa Rowles the building of the gym is part of 702’s focus on building bridges between people and strengthening communities, and Discovery’s philosophy of making people healthier.

“The gym is free, open 24 hours and accessible to all,” she said. “It is suitable for use by people of all ages, shapes and fitness levels, and offers all the benefits of a traditional gym workout, with the added reward of being out in the fresh air.”

The general manager of marketing for Discovery, Dinesh Govender said they together with 702 had a long-standing relationship and history with working with the community to help place a healthy lifestyle within everyone’s grasp.

“We are proud to be able to hand over this outdoor gym to the community of Greenside,” she added.

Ward 87 councillor Amanda Forsythe said, “As the councillor for the ward most affected by the walk, I must thank 702 and Walk the Talk for the donation, as well as applaud the event organisers, Harford Sports Promotions for their extreme professionalism and the care they take to ensure that the event is safe, orderly and that our suburbs are cleaned up afterwards.

“Thanks to Walk the Talk, we now have a wonderful outdoor gym in Sir Lionel Phillips park,” she added.

The gym is part of a broader park rejuvenation project that is being driven by the Greenside Design Centre.