People in Waterford are being encouraged to get active with the opening of a brand new adult fitness park.

The new facility has been installed in People's Park, replacing a host of old equipment that had been in situ for over 10 years. The 10 new pieces of equipment include a sit-up press, decline bench, pull up station and shoulder press. They allow for a wide range of body weight exercises to be completed across all muscle groups and the set-up of the equipment enables users to experience an outdoor exercise circuit according to ability.

Waterford City and County Council brought this new facility to life with support from Waterford Sports Partnership's Active Cities Waterford project.

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Commenting on the new gym equipment, Metro Mayor of Waterford, Cllr Jason Murphy said: "The gym equipment is of the highest standard and offers a full gym experience, for free and outdoors. It's a wonderful addition to the Park, which I'm sure will attract those who are new to exercising in outdoor locations and expand the benefits associated with regular exercise to a greater number of people.

"Safety has also been taken into consideration, as the bark mulch base is not only more environmentally friendly, with minimal impact on the natural environment, it also doubles as a fall-resistant material."

Sean Gormley, Executive Engineer, Waterford City and County Council, commented: "The cost of the gym equipment and installation was €46,272, and while it is a long-term investment in key infrastructure, it is also an investment in providing a safe and accessible place to promote health and well-being in Waterford."

Elaine Mullan, Active Cities Officer with Waterford Sports Partnership, added: "Having a quality outdoor gym such as this, available free to the public, is an example of how we want to make it easier for people in Waterford to be more active. Exercising in the outdoors brings with it added benefits and we look forward to seeing this new equipment used by young and old."