Extract C

Municipal open-air gym zones are a public good

Open-air gym installations in municipal council parks are accessible to all residents for free exercise and physical therapy. 'FitStreet', a volunteer-run community charity, coordinates free, guided aerobic and strength sessions using this equipment every weekend, drawing dozens of local participants who otherwise might not afford a private gym membership. The regional administration has recently proposed a ban on local councils charging such voluntary initiatives for using the facilities to cover repair and maintenance costs. While the administration supports charging private personal trainers who block off equipment for exclusive, paid-for boot camps, it maintains that community-led health initiatives must remain exempt. Although 'FitStreet' sessions utilize multiple exercise machines simultaneously, other park visitors can still freely access any unoccupied equipment or utilize the surrounding paths alongside the group.

Source: Local Government Policy Review