Outdoor gym planned for Aylmer in 2021

On September 9, the city of Gatineau announced the opening of its first two outdoor exercise parks located at des Ormes Park in Hull and Lavictoire Park in the Gatineau sector. As part of the announcement, it was also unveiled that two other parks are planned for 2021, one for the Aylmer sector and the other for Buckingham.

Both of these projects were approved for funding in July 2018.

Built as part of the “Gatineau, Seniors-Friendly Municipality” initiative, the City was able to benefit from $100,000 in financial assistance from the Québec Infrastructure Program to carry out these projects, which are designed to create an environment conducive to healthy lifestyles, particularly for seniors.

Although the primary goals of these parks is to encourage physical activity and promote active aging and independence, it is open to all age groups.

The urban training sites will be open for three seasons of the year and their exercise stations will allow park goers to do pull-ups, dips, banded exercises as well as a full array of stretches and other exercises.

The activities, accessible to all, will be beneficial both physically, for beginners learning to move their body weight around, and financially, because access to these parks is completely free.

The city also plans to subsidize a program led by a kinesiologist who will design and lead training sessions, including dynamic circuits of adapted exercises that will be offered free of charge to people over 50 years of age.

The location of these parks and future parks of this type are chosen by the city with consideration of the following criteria:

— The percentage of seniors living in the area;

— The proximity of services (residences for seniors, businesses, community organizations, health and social services centres);

— The possibility of welcoming a mix of users of all ages and all physical forms;

— The presence of trails, adapted toilets and shaded areas.

According to the President of the Gatineau Commission “Ville en Santé,” Renée Amyot, “The creation and facilitation of exercise trails is another step towards an appropriate, accessible and safe living environment for our aging population. We hope these investments will help improve the quality of life for our citizens. ”