New mini fitness trail and outside classroom opens for 4-11 year olds

18/04/2008

Jenny Flynn, Non-Executive Director for County Durham Primary Care Trust (PCT) will officially open a new fitness trail and outside classroom aimed at 4-11 year olds on Tuesday 22 April, 2008.

The 'trim trail' which is situated at Healthworks in Easington Colliery is designed to improve fitness and agility, is made of wood and consists of balance beams, chin ups, hurdles, parallel bars.  The trim trail also includes an outdoor classroom in an enclosed area.

The project is a partnership between County Durham PCT, who run and manage Healthworks, Northumbrian Water and the District of Easington, who provided local artist David Gross to work with a group of young people to design the wooden sculpture classroom area that fits in with the Healthworks theme.

A group of children from a local school will be attending the opening event to try out the equipment and a challenge is in place for the child who achieves the fastest time around the course.

Northumbrian Water, who funded the graffiti mural which depicts Super Heroes on the fence of the trim trail area, will be present at the event to provide young people with their prizes.

Local schools will be encouraged to use the trim trail as part of their curriculum.

Fiona Maher, The PCT's Healthworks Co-ordinator, said: 'Trim trails are an ideal way for young tarzans and janes to get fit whilst having fun.  They are excellent for developing balance, skill, agility and co-ordination.

'Trim trails also bring together physical achievement and imaginative play through inventive and interesting challenges, it also encourages young people to participate in team sports.'

ENDS

If you plan to send a photographer along to the event, please contact Pat Lawlor, Communications Assistant on 0191 333 3003.