Harringay, Haringey - So Good they Spelt it Twice!
Do you want an outdoor gym in Finsbury Park?
Haringey have just asked us (the Friends of Finsbury Park) for an opinion on their proposal to put an outdoor gym in the American Gardens, near the small play area.
Is this a good idea?
Is it the right location?
Opinion amogst our committee was divided between "yes it's a great idea" and "no, it will spoil the area and encourage agressive men with large dogs" so what do you think?
The American Gardens are the bit of the park adjacent to Endymion Road between the Vehicle Gate and the New River, ie the Harringay bit.
An outdoor gym is a collection of play/exercise equipment for grown ups; apparently the children's play area is currently being used as exercise equipment.
Is this a good idea?
Is it the right location?
Opinion amogst our committee was divided between "yes it's a great idea" and "no, it will spoil the area and encourage agressive men with large dogs" so what do you think?
The American Gardens are the bit of the park adjacent to Endymion Road between the Vehicle Gate and the New River, ie the Harringay bit.
An outdoor gym is a collection of play/exercise equipment for grown ups; apparently the children's play area is currently being used as exercise equipment.
Tags for Forum Posts: adizone, consultation
Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by John McMullan on
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Ha ha ha, someone in the council is getting back handers for these.
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I am just making the assumption. They appear to be installed with very little consultation and you did say that the council approached you... Qui Bono?
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Permalink Reply by Hugh on
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It seems like odd placement to me. This is in the main a non-recreational area of the park. I'd have thought somewhere over by the tennis courts would make more sense. I'm wondering if they're thinking of it a forgotten corner that no-one will kick up too much fuss about?
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Not sure actually. I'm pretty sure that Nora Mulready has their contact because I remember her telling me that Lammy had been to visit them to talk about the Barking line. You could also try asking in the Endymion Road Group.
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Permalink Reply by PeterPiper on
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I tend to agree Hugh, as the area around the current playground in the American Gardens seems to attact many picnic parties in the warm days who prefer their own sandwiches to those of the cafe. What about putting it in the baseball park and restoring the derelict pavillion there? It would still be visible from Endymion Road. What about placing it where the current playground is, and taking that up to the general play area located near the cafe, as it's designed for bigger kids anyway?
Is there to be any wider consultation in the park, for users for example? I noticed in a similar development at Ally Pally for one of these installations, that a 'green' area equal to that which would be covered by the gym, would be created elsewhere.
The only one of these I've seen pictures of, appear to be oriented towards those under 50, how about some thought being given to those of maturer years who might also like to use "exersise machines" whilst out for a stroll. All ages deserve access to fitness after all.
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When they do consult us it is usually already a firm proposal and they are looking for endorsement. It's and awkward position for Friends groups to be in.
Their life would be a lot easier without you, they could just do what they want...
I have a big personal problem with "friends groups" but I'm beginning to see that it's a bit like democracy, terrible but better than all the other systems.
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Permalink Reply by matt on
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Give the dogs exercise equipment and the humans the opportunity to do a little cage fighting. It's all the rage apparently. Put it all by the Manor House bus stop; entertainment for bored bus commuters ... 'Bus now stopping at ...Manor House. Look left for caged local wildlife and their four legged friends'.
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Permalink Reply by Nicola Key on
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i think these outdoor gyms are a fantastic idea. i first saw them in overseas in turkey and iran. i don't really understand the comment about aggressive men with large dogs? maybe they could make the area around the gym dog free?
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Permalink Reply by Stuart on
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There is clearly some sort of "fascination" with outdoor gyms at Haringey council at the moment. They are obssessed with putting them in to wherever they can - see, for example, Duckett's common, which is also apparently going to get one. It does seem a little unusual, as John M has alluded. I have never seen any grown ups using the children's equipment as exercise equipment so I have no idea how that can be the driver behind this quest. Most curious.
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Permalink Reply by DavidJ on
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I have seen adults using the play equipment as a gym - there are clearly people who would use it.
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Permalink Reply by Martha on
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Sommers Town in Camden has an open gym and lots of people use it - people who would not normally go to a gym, it opens up a new free activity. It seems to have been a success there. It too is next to a playground - adults can do a quick workout whilst the kids in the playground. Also gives a good impression to the children. I think they are a good idea.
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Permalink Reply by AnnieH on
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Anne, I've seen this type of equipment in many parks inside and out of London - the most recent being in Primrose Hill. Having said that, I've only ever seen a few people use them, so I'm not sure how popular the pieces will be or what the take-up from park uses will be like? Maybe they would be popular with the many runners who use the park for stretching and strengthening their core?
As a resident of Endymion Road and someone who regularly uses the park for running, walking, and spending time with family/friends for picnics etc. I'm not in favour of encouraging kids or "aggressive men with large dogs" hanging about being anti-social and causing a nuisance, but in my experience this equipment does not do promote this. In terms of position, I would agree with Hugh and say that further up towards the basketball courts would be a more appropriate place - be great to keep all the fitness facilities together. Hope this helps, but feel free to add yourself to the "Friends of Endymion Road" group on here to directly ask the members what they're thoughts are (many are residents or people who regularly use Endymion Road as a route to work to the park etc).
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