A £35,000 outdoor gym has been officially opened at St Peter’s Recreation Ground.
The project was part of Thanet council’s 2025-26 financial year budget and was supported by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
For the 2025-26 extension year, Thanet received £546,557 from the government to deliver projects focused on “Community and Place,” which includes improving local health and wellbeing infrastructure.
The outdoor gym at St Peter’s Rec features a range of modern equipment provided by KOMPAN.
The equipment is designed for both beginners and more advanced users (aged 14+). Each station includes QR codes that link to instructional videos and exercise plans via the Kompan app.
Cllr Joanne Bright said: “Cllr Matterface and I are incredibly proud that the Labour cabinet at TDC agreed to install the outdoor gym at St Peter’s Recreation Ground.
“One of the Labour administration’s key priorities is to improve our parks and open spaces across Thanet. It was recognised that our park needed more investment to give young people and adults more opportunities to get fit and healthy.
“The gym is a welcome addition to the park along with newly installed goal posts.
“I can’t wait to see the equipment being put to good use.”
Thanet council says: “We have officially opened the new outdoor gym at St Peter’s Recreation Ground in Broadstairs.
“There are adjustable resistance pieces and calisthenics equipment, perfect for all fitness levels. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, come and enjoy this fantastic new open air community gym!”
Those at the official launch included district and town councillors Jenny Matterface and Kristian and Joanne Bright alongside representatives from KOMPAN.
Some £50,000 has also been earmarked in the budget for the installation of new lighting at the Rec.
I wonder why they have installed this equipment so close to the playground. ROSPA recommend Adult gym equipment should not be fitted within 25m of a childrens playground. As equipment designed for adults can be harmful to children, as can make them stretch to far. Also can contain crush points that you will not find on childrens playgrounds. I could understand if space was limited, but they had the whole park to install this equipment. The same applies at The park near Broadstairs Station.
Why an earth did they put it so close to the kids play area? It’s just been taken over by kids messing about on it and getting nothing from it. Even on weekdays you wouldn’t want to sit there while parents are with their infants. Totally unusable and as the above comment suggests potentially dangerous for the children mucking about on it. A total waste of 35k of tax payers money. Stick it over the other side of the park. So simple
They’ll probably be vandalised before this month is out.
Just thinking the same ! The equipment won’t last long !
It’s all metal-based and extremely sturdy so will be difficult to damage. Why not visit the park for yourself and watch those using it and enjoying the opportunity to get exercise in the park? It is equipment specifically designed for outdoor use. It is also ideal for wheelchair users which is great for those with less mobility.
Hello Councillor Matterface, could you please clear up for me if I am correct in saying ROSPA recommend Adult Gym equipment is installed at least 25m from Childrens playgrounds? As I am sure as Woodchippers Can Hurt have said. TDC must have carried out their due diligence?
You can’t use it. It’s been taken over by kids seeing it as an extension the play area right next to it
It depends on your definition of gym equipment; the picture depicts equipment I have never seen in an adult gym, so it’s fair to say they’ve [TDC] done their due diligence. How about swapping your idle concern with free exercise? Your brain matter will appreciate it!
You obviously didn’t read the article. It says the equipment is designed for 14+
35 grand on an Outdoor Gym. Just like TDC think Thanet is Paris, Milan or Brighton with their never ending ‘art galleries’ they clearly think it is also Bondi Beach, Daytona Beach or the Costa Del Sol-there is a reason gyms are indoor & have a roof on them, because the UK rains & has high winds most of the year.
so when is northdown park playground going to be renovated with benches for parents to rest whilst watching young children play
Why not contact your ward councillors and raise the issue with them?
You are a local councillor do your job and point and direct the person to their councillor there is a link on the TDC website it baffles me how councillor attitude is so UNHELPFUL at TDC !!!! You were elected to help not dictate
A bit harsh. Jenny Matterface is an excellent cllr, who genuinely cares about the area.
Nora Curran – typical response from Labour Councillors go on attack rather than give structured advice – this lady defends everything Labour!
Yes, she does defend everything Labour… as Rob Yates did, until he jumped ship. At least she’s not a hypocrite (unless she plans to move to Green too).
Looks good! The first place I ever saw outside gym equipment was Minnis Bay, but sadly most of it has gone now (I personally will stick to walking, cycling and gardening for my exercise!).
Curious to know why such an area needs an app and what data KOMPAN are collecting from said app and how that’s used, assuming there’s some profit motive in doing so.
Other than that, I think outdoor exercise areas are net positive. People exercising is generally a good idea, admittedly it goes against traditional British values of using parks for the consumption of cheap booze though.
all very nice , but in no time it will be smashed up or burnt , and not to forget the obvious spray paint all over it ( sorry its called street art apparently when its in thanet )