The Eden Fitness Trail Group
The Eden Fitness Trail Group ( EFTG ) formed in 2018 with the goal of obtaining outdoor exercise equipment for the Eden community.
In 2020 the EFTG became auspiced under the Eden Community Access Centre. Fund raising was now under way.
The Eden Fitness Trail Group has as its goal the provision of outdoor exercise
equipment that is free, user friendly, safe, & accessible to all who reside in, or spend
time visiting, the Eden township regardless of ability or disability.
The aims of the EFTG committee included :
• to consult widely with all stakeholders in a culturally sensitive and inclusive manner
• to select equipment that addresses the needs and requirements of the whole
community
• to promote the health and well-being of the community of Eden
• to enhance the promotion of Eden as a healthy and beautiful destination
Furthermore the Eden Fitness Trail Group supports the local community in its
endeavours to :
• reduce barriers to exercise
• prevent & manage chronic disease
• promote social connection & inclusion
• promote mental health & psychological well being
• enhance the benefits of “ blue exercise” ( body of water )
Challenges
A partnership with Bega Valley Shire Council enabled a submission for a NSW State Govt grant in 2019.
“ My Community Project ” was a grant requiring community support through a voting process. The Eden community won this injection of funding through voting for the project, adding to the funds already raised; enabling the EFTG to proceed with setting up the outdoor gym supported by BVSC staff & resources.
The outdoor gym opened in November 2020. The outdoor equipment hub provided 10 exercise stations in Imlay Memorial Park, & another 3 sets of double exercise stations were installed along the Aslings Beach walkway.
What’s next for the Eden Fitness Trail Group
Since the installation of the outdoor exercise equipment the EFTG continued to expand
the project & enhance the reach & enjoyment of a healthy lifestyle within the Eden
community. The group has achieved this through :
– the development of the Eden Trail Blazers exercise groups – the social connections created through the Trail Blazer group members – the provision of a sheltered table & bench seating alongside the equipment hub – an outdoor mural covering the toilet wall in the park area – the purchase of 2 sets of solar lighting at the main exercise hub site.
The Future :
The EFTG continue to consider projects that add value to the existing outdoor exercise
stations. Currently the group are directing their efforts at fund raising to support the
purchase of 10-12 solar lights to be placed along the Asling beach walking trail.
Lighting along the trail would enable walkers during low light periods such as winter
mornings & evenings, & reduce the risk of injury by allowing vision of the walk trail to
identify uneven surfaces & other trio hazards.
FUNDING
A partnership with Bega Valley Shire Council enabled a submission for a NSW State Govt grant in 2019.
“ My Community Project ” was a grant requiring community support through a voting process. The Eden community won this injection of funding through voting for the project, adding to the funds already raised; enabling the EFTG to proceed with setting up the outdoor gym supported by BVSC staff & resources.
Raising funds for EFTG projects come from many sources : – local community driven fund raisers including 100s clubs, entries into local radio
giveaways, raffles, & events – grant applications – individual donations
CONNECTION TO ECAC’s MISSION STATEMENT
The project connects to the following ECAC objectives: – Supporting the growth of a strong, inclusive and unified community – An inclusive environment encouraging participation from all groups and fostering
positive relations – Build community social and economic capacity – Develop local solutions to local problems – Raise the aspirations of individuals and unlock the potential of community members
WHO TO TALK TO
Carina Severs is the ECAC Manager
Carin can be contacted on 02 6496 3970 or Email admin@eden.nsw.au
Cherie Mercado is the Co-ordinator for the EFTG
The EFTG have a Facebook page : Eden Fitness Trail Group. We post exercise session updates, photos & other associated information regularly on this page. Please “ like ” our group here & learn more about us. Regular updates can be sought in the ECAC monthly Connections magazine