Get in shape in the outdoor gym
Training for everyone – the outdoor gym in Grimsås has been inaugurated!
About the project
IKO Fritid has now completed its leader project “Get in shape in the outdoor gym”, an investment in health and community in Grimsås. The project has transformed an unused area, where an old mini golf course previously stood, into a modern outdoor gym with training opportunities for everyone.
The background to the project is a desire to create a leisure area that connects exercise and togetherness across generations. IKO Fritid saw an opportunity to strengthen Grimsås as a place where people can meet and exercise outdoors in a simple and accessible way. The outdoor gym is part of a larger vision for a future cultural and leisure center where there will be activities for all ages.
From mini golf course to outdoor gym
The first step in the project was to demolish the old mini-golf course and prepare the ground for the outdoor gym. After the ground work, they were able to start building the 13 training stations, which now offer varied training for the whole body. An outdoor gym that is available 24 hours a day and is also completely free of charge, perfect for families with young children as well as for the local shift workers and seniors. A QR code has also been set up at the site, so that visitors can easily get tips and instructions on how to best use the different stations.
from the project application:
”We want to create a community in society between all ages, while at the same time we want to start activities that give people
opportunities to exercise more.”
Opening and introductory events
When the outdoor gym was completed in March, it was celebrated with an official opening and four leader-led introductory sessions. Residents were given the opportunity to familiarize themselves with the different training stations and learn how to use the gym to get the most effective workout possible. A large number of people have already started using the gym, and it is clear that the initiative is appreciated by both younger and older exercisers in Grimsås.
Strong local cooperation
The project has not only contributed to better training opportunities in Grimsås but also strengthened the collaboration between IKO Fritid and other local actors. The community association, Grimsås IF and several other associations have been involved and supported the work – both through voluntary work and by assisting with land and other resources. One of the non-profit groups, the Leave Committee (consisting of pensioners), helped with practical aspects such as land preparation and the installation of signs. Thanks to this commitment, the outdoor gym has become a collaborative project that the entire village can be proud of.
Challenges and lessons learned along the way
As with many projects, there were challenges along the way. One of the biggest challenges was coordinating the volunteer efforts and getting enough people to help at the same time. Despite this, the project managed to stay on schedule and budget, and the results exceeded expectations.
The future of outdoor gyms and new opportunities
The outdoor gym in Grimsås is now a natural feature of the leisure area, and IKO Fritid plans to continue developing the business by offering leader-led training sessions and group training for different target groups. An evaluation conducted after the opening showed that some users would like more training options and the ability to adjust weights at certain stations – something that provides ideas for future development.
The goal is for the gym to become a natural gathering point for activity and movement – a place where people meet to both exercise and socialize.
The board's decision justification
After the application and presentation in the LAG, as well as an interview with the applicant, the scoring in the selection criteria has shown that the project is well in line with the strategy. A well-formulated project with established collaboration constellations that will further strengthen the area. The project promotes physical activities across generational boundaries. Clear division of responsibilities that ensures the continuation of the activities after the project period.
About the project
Project period
2023-2024
Project owner
IKO Leisure
Project Manager
Sofia Anderson
sofia.andersson@nexans.com
The project in the media
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About the financing
Leader support
299,913 SEK
Co-financing from project owners:
200,087 SEK
Total financing
500,000 SEK
In addition to the above, the project has contributed with non-profit commitment worth SEK 158,511.
The Leader support consists of funding from the EU, the state and the municipalities of Sjuhärad.
Incoming EU funds have been granted from:
Rural Development Fund
