New Redwoods Forest fitness trail open

A new outdoor fitness trail at the Waipa entrance to Whakarewarewa Forest has opened for members of the public to use as an extension to their exercise regimes.

A Rotorua Lakes Council (RLC) and Red Stag Ltd partnership provided materials for the exercise stations and instruction signs, while Waiariki Institute of Technology (WIT) Academy of Sport was involved in developing and installing the stations, and creating basic exercise instructions.

The trail idea originated from RLC  staff some time ago and requests for outdoor gyms, gym equipment and fitness circuits were also subsequently made through the Ideas Store operated by Council in the inner city late last year. The Store provided information on council work and projects, and asked for feedback and new ideas generating more than 1000 suggestions which are currently being assessed and considered for implementation.

RLC Sports and Recreation Portfolio lead, Councillor Charles Sturt, said there was a need for a fitness trail within the community, especially for those new to exercise, stating “it had been noticed that runners and walkers often just used what was at hand for stretching and exercising, instead of more appropriate equipment or instructions.

“The Redwoods environment was identified as an ideal location for a fitness trail, as people can start with short walks on flat terrain, and then extend to longer walks or runs on varied terrain as their fitness levels improve. Resistance training could then be incorporated into their regimes if the right equipment was available.”

Councillor Sturt said the new trail was also handy to the Waipa restroom complex, which includes showers and changing rooms, as well as toilets.

Red Stag Commercial Manager, Paul Laing, said working in partnership with the council and Waiariki Institute of Technology was a great opportunity to collaborate on a community project that encouraged health and wellness.

Laing added “a fitness trail had been on Red Stag’s radar following feedback from staff who participated in a wellness survey, so when we became aware that the council was also working on a similar project, we were keen to jump on board and give our support. We’re really pleased with the result.”

WIT Health & Sports head of department, Amanda Heapy, said the Waipa Fitness Trail had been an exciting and valuable learning tool for the students, adding “the Waiariki Academy of Sport, and our Sports & Exercise students, have enjoyed being part of the process and appreciate the ongoing development opportunities the trail will provide.

“We plan to deliver a number of events and programmes at the fitness trail as part of the course’s practical component.”

The Waipa Fitness Trail opened on Tuesday 16th June while the partners plan to replicate the fitness trail at other forest sites, with Long Mile Road being identified as potentially the next location.

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