The equipment and workout space is part of councils plan to upgrade public parks and make them more user friendly for locals and tourists alike.

Mayor Colin Price said locals will start to see more improvements being made in Glen Innes parks.

“This is part of our overall park improvement strategy,” he said.

“There is $50,000 worth of extra children’s play equipment going in, the concreting of pathways, the upgrade of the toilets and of course this workout equipment shows that we are committed to making our parks better than they have been.

“This has been our plan for some time and we will continue to spend more money on our parks so that they will be more useful to the public.”

Local resident Laura Hayes said she will use the equipment regularly now that it is available.

“It is good that the work out gear is in the park and it is really good for the town that there is now somewhere for locals to get out and have some exercise and fun,” she said.

“It is good that it is free to use because I think that will encourage kids and their parents to work out together.”

Council Manager of Recreation and Open Spaces Graham Archibald said it is important to have this type of equipment available in Glen Innes.

“We put a lot of thought into where the area would be in the park so it would be of maximum benefit for locals,” he said.

Council General manager Hein Basson said the gym equipment should cater for a wider component of locals.

“Children, adults and more senior people will all be able to use this equipment,” he said.

“It is perfect for locals and tourists to get some exercise while using our beautiful parklands.”