New community gym opens in Toogoolawah

Somerset Regional Council and the Queensland Government have partnered to deliver a $1 million community gym for Toogoolawah - a rural town and locality in the Somerset Region.

The 270 metre2 Toogoolawah Community Gym has two large multipurpose rooms, air-conditioning, a kiosk and a terrace overlooking the community pool.

At almost five times the size of the old gym in the Girl Guides’ hut, the new gym is designed to meet fast-growing community demand and delivers more space for yoga, Pilates, cardio and weights

The gym is open with 24/7 swipe card access.   

Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the State Government had invested $800,000 in the new gym to keep Toogoolawah active advising “we know active Queenslanders are healthy Queenslanders, that’s why we partnered with Somerset Regional Council on the new gym.

The Queensland Government is also heating the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool next to the new gym, so the precinct can be enjoyed year-round.

Somerset Mayor Graeme Lehmann said the old gym had minimal equipment due to space constraints.

Mayor Lehmann notes “we procured 18 pieces of additional gym equipment for the new gym, including cardio, benches, and muscle motion trainers.

“The new gym will have a big impact on the Somerset community. We estimate that there will be a significant increase in gym usage, with a strong uptake of younger residents too.

“That’s good for helping our residents’ young, and old, to keep fit and active, with all the physical and mental health benefits.”

“Council is also building a water-play splash pad on the eastern side of the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool.

“The swimming pool is currently closed for the season. When the facility reopens in September, the Toogoolawah Swimming Pool and the Toogoolawah Community Gym will operate as a sports precinct, supporting active and healthy lifestyles.”

The State Government’s $800,000 investment in the Toogoolawah Community Gym is part of the Active Community Infrastructure Program.

Across Queensland, the program has delivered almost $16 million for 21 active community recreation infrastructure projects.

Image: The Toogoolawah Community Gym was opened by Queensland Sport Minister Stirling Hinchliffe and Mayor Graeme Lehmann.