City of Greater Bendigo encourages gyms and fitness group operators to book outdoor spaces

The City of Greater Bendigo is encouraging gyms wanting to take classes outdoors and commercial fitness operators running group fitness sessions to book outdoor recreation space to safely ensure there is room for everyone.  

To support fitness businesses in their recovery from the impacts of Victoria’s COVID-19 restrictions, the City of Greater Bendigo will waive fees and charges for hiring outdoor space until 1st January, 2021.

Under the Third Step of the Victorian Government’s roadmap to recovery, people can now gather together outside in groups of 10, including for exercise classes and training.  

Active and Healthy Lifestyles Manager, Lincoln Fitzgerald said an online booking form was available to make it as easy as possible for businesses to book ahead.

Fitzgerald advised “our aim is to ensure we can support fitness businesses affected by COVID-19 to properly plan for where they would like to hold classes, so as when they arrive at a location there is plenty of room for them.

“We encourage businesses to reach out to us to discuss the type of space they need, so somewhere suitable can be assigned.

“With permission from the operator, we will also add their details and location of training onto the City’s website so that the community and other operators can see who is training where.

“Our focus is on ensuring our public spaces are accessible for everyone. We don’t want to see popular recreation areas like Rosalind Park, Lake Weeroona, Kennington Reservoir and Lake Neangar overwhelmed with fitness groups, making it difficult for wider community use.

“The booking process is free, there is no cost for the remainder of the year and by having an allocated space everyone will be able to be accommodated.”

The City is also supporting dance schools and indoor recreation activities to relocate outdoors, so as they can continue to meet in small groups and practice. These groups are encouraged to also reach out if they would like to take their classes outdoors and all hire costs will also be waived until 1st January 2020.

To make a booking visit www.bendigo.vic.gov.au

Image courtesy of Z Fit Studios who have a current permit to operate fitness classes in the City managed Garden for the Future.