Entertainment Swindon

Haydon Wick Parish Council celebrates completion of community fitness facility

Haydon Wick Parish Council marked a significant milestone today with the official ribbon cutting ceremony for the new White Eagle Outdoor Gym, welcoming local councillors, officers, and representatives from Harlequin Playgrounds to celebrate the completed facility.

The outdoor gym, which sits alongside the existing children’s play area and multi-use games area (MUGA) at White Eagle, has been delivered on schedule following extensive community consultation earlier this year.

Celebrating Local Partnership

Liam and Nikola Andrews, Managing Director and Director of Harlequin Playgrounds respectively, joined councillors and officers at today’s ceremony to view and try out the professional-grade equipment their team has installed.

The facility features a comprehensive range of equipment suitable for all fitness levels and abilities, including cross trainers, strength training stations, a calisthenics rig, and an accessible hand and pedal bike – all set on a distinctive black surface with green flecks for all-weather safety.

Councillor Richard Hailstone, Chair of the Parks & Open Spaces Committee, said: “It’s wonderful to officially open this facility and see it ready for our community to enjoy. This project demonstrates what can be achieved when we listen to residents and work with local partners who share our commitment to creating excellent community spaces.”

Launch Party Planned for January

While the gym is now complete and accessible, residents are invited to a special launch party on the weekend of 10th/11th January 2026 (exact date and time to be confirmed).

The event will offer residents the perfect opportunity to:

• Meet the team behind the project
• Try out all the equipment with guidance
• Receive professional fitness advice
• Take home goodies courtesy of Harlequin Playgrounds
• Start the new year with fresh fitness goals

The launch party will provide a welcoming introduction to this free resource, whether you’re beginning a new exercise routine, maintaining existing fitness goals, or simply curious about what the facility offers.

Watch the Parish Council’s website and social media channels for confirmation of the exact date and time.

Community-Led Investment

The outdoor gym was approved in June 2025 after being voted the top priority through the Council’s Participatory Budget Community Choices Programme, following extensive consultation with residents through letter drops and public sessions.

The partnership with Harlequin Playgrounds, also based in Haydon Wick, has ensured local expertise and investment has remained within the community throughout the project.