BTCV Green Gym
The Renfrewshire Green Gym project was launched with BTCV in November 2007, supported by Braehead shopping centre, Renfrew, Scotland, together with its partners Xscape and Snozone, with funds that were committed for a three year period.As its name implies, the project focuses on members of local communities participating in outdoor regeneration activities providing them with a way of enjoying physical exercise compared with the traditional alternatives.
The project got off to a very good start in the first year, concentrating on locations in Paisley and Renfrew areas where valuable work is undertaken in restoring neglected areas. It is increasingly well known in the local community, both among referral organisations and green space managers.
Volunteer numbers have been increasing which provide optimistic prospects for the future. On 14 November 2008 a small celebration took place to mark one year since the official launch which was attended by about 50 people.
The Linwood Green Gym is now well established in the community and has worked on eight different sites during the year with good attendance rates. Two groups in Paisley have smaller but enthusiastic teams providing the nucleus around which the group will be able to grow.
It is envisaged that after a reasonable period each location will become self managed by the community members enabling the project manager to move on to initiate further schemes.
