Community Celebrates Official Opening of YMCA’s Outdoor Fitness Space
The YMCA Community & Activity Village proudly celebrated the official opening of the Outdoor Strength & Conditioning Gym. This event marks a milestone for YMCA in Newark that encourages health and wellbeing in an open-air environment with a unique fitness destination that provides a setting where individuals can engage in cardio, strength training, and functional workouts. Our facility’s design allows users to break free from the confines of traditional indoor gyms, offering a refreshing alternative that enhances fitness journeys.
During the opening, YMCA expressed thanks to the FCC Communities Foundation, whose generous funding made the creation of the outdoor fitness space possible. The Foundation’s support has been pivotal in enabling the us to advance its mission of promoting a healthier community. Furthermore, we thank Indigo Fitness, provider of the gym’s equipment, for their essential contribution to this project.
FCC Communities Foundation present with Adam Drewery, Operations Manager and Stephen Longney, Maintenance Manager from their Lincoln EfW Plant. Grant Manager, Penny Horne, of FCC Communities Foundation, commented, “We are delighted to support the YMCA’s initiative to create an outdoor fitness space that promotes health and wellbeing in the community. This facility is a great example of what can be achieved when we work together to foster healthier, more active lifestyles.”
The new space also features specialist wheelchair-accessible calisthenics equipment, making it an inclusive space for users with disabilities. Several wheelchair users have already been utilising our equipment for their training, engaging in activities that enhance strength and mobility. This adaptive equipment allows individuals to perform a range of exercises that promote physical fitness and wellbeing, ensuring that everyone in the community has the opportunity to participate in and benefit from our outdoor fitness space.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Steffen Benbow, Executive Director, YMCA Newark & Sherwood with Michael McKeever, Chair of the Board of YMCA Newark & Sherwood having the honour of cutting the ribbon to officially inaugurate the outdoor fitness space.
With over a decade of experience in fitness coaching, Nathaniel Soderberg, Health & Sports Manager at the YMCA emphasised the gym’s potential to positively impact the health and wellness of the community. Reflecting on the facility, Nathaniel commented, “The gym is not a place to punish yourself but a place to build yourself up. I believe that whatever you do in the gym should maximize your life outside of it and being part of a fitness community can add years to your life. I’m passionate about helping people see the gym as an exciting part of a healthy lifestyle.”
Students from the Lincoln College Group – Air & Space Institute, regularly use the YMCA facilities as part of their fitness regimen and were there to demonstrate their skills on the equipment. These students, who are preparing for careers in the aviation industry, showcased their training routine, demonstrating the facility’s role in supporting diverse fitness needs and promoting healthy lifestyles.
The Outdoor Strength and Conditioning Gym provides a space that not only caters to fitness enthusiasts but also fosters a sense of community and wellbeing. We are proud to offer this facility, which encourages individuals to embrace outdoor exercise, to improve their overall health and remains dedicated to fostering a healthier and more active community through innovative facilities and programmes with accessible and engaging exercise options for all.