The White Eagle Outdoor Gym on White Eagle Road was officially launched on Sunday morning, with local people braving freezing temperatures to try the equipment and take part in guided sessions.
The launch took the form of a one-hour community power hour hosted by Haydon Wick Parish Council. There was no ribbon cutting, with the focus instead on encouraging people to get involved, ask questions and use the equipment at their own pace.
Councillor Vinay Manro, who has been closely involved in delivering the project, said the gym had been discussed for several years.
“This is a project that’s been coming for a while. We’ve talked about it for a good few years, but it was about finding the location, finding the funding and establishing the need,” he said.
“Over the last 12 months we put the project together, worked with local gym users on what equipment was needed, and here we are today on a Sunday morning out to do some exercise.”
Fitness guidance during the launch was provided by Tim Howe from the Longevity Games, who led group sessions focused on simple, functional movement.
Councillor Manro said the gym was designed to remove barriers to exercise.
“It’s about equality. Not everybody can afford to go to a gym, and not everybody can get to one,” he said. “This is a free, completely accessible public area that you can come and use at any time that suits you.”
Other parish councillors joined residents on the equipment. Councillor Leanne Stevenson said the turnout showed strong local appetite.
“It’s absolutely is important. It’s all about getting out and staying healthy for our local community,” she said. “This gym is free and active for everybody, available every morning, every evening, whenever you want it.”
Councillor Leigh Jackson, who had just finished a session, said the experience was a challenge.
“Wow. What an effort. Fantastic for a Sunday morning. Brilliant, gets the endorphins going,” he said. “It’s not normal for me, but it’s totally refreshing.”
Councillor Paul Park said the gym could help people take the first step into being more active.
“People don’t realise that even the smallest movement will help them get going,” he said. “This removes the barrier of needing a gym membership.”
The equipment was installed by Harlequin Playgrounds. Nicola Andrews from the company said the site made good use of the available space.
“They’ve got a lot of equipment in the space and the range here is brilliant,” she said. “A lot of it has QR codes you can scan to see how to use it.”
The gym includes cross trainers, strength equipment, a calisthenics rig and an accessible hand and pedal bike. It sits alongside an existing children’s play area and multi-use games area.
Tim Howe from the Longevity Games said outdoor gyms offered a different kind of benefit.
“It’s on people’s doorstep. It’s free of charge. It’s about getting out, moving the body in the fresh air,” he said.
The project was approved in June 2025 after being voted the top priority through the parish council’s Participatory Budget Community Choices Programme. Although the equipment was installed last autumn, Sunday marked its official public launch.
The opening was low key, but its message was clear. A permanent, free gym embedded in a public park reflects a growing focus on preventative health and shared community spaces in Swindon.
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