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Permalink Reply by Cathy Herman on June 16, 2017 at 11:00

Sorry to hear about your bad experience with the outdoor gym in Bowes Park. Unfortunately the space to the side cannot be opened up as integral to Thames Water. The gym is in need of volunteers to help with maintenance, opening and closing. Anyone out there wanting to help?

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Permalink Reply by Kaye De Moura Castanheira on June 16, 2017 at 11:10

People living in the area have been having discussions in the park about the gym equipment to be replaced as they are a health hazardous and we also need more of them, if someone who is in charge of the area can call the company that owns the equipment and to provide us with some new useable ones.

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Permalink Reply by Cathy Herman on June 16, 2017 at 17:48

To reassure any users...the equipment is due a service and we will ask for it to be checked for safety at the same time. A bit of background, the gym was set up by community volunteers, part of Bowes Park Community Association. The piece of land which belongs to Thames Water had been taken over, without permission, as an extension of a skip and lorry business which dominated that part of Myddleton Road and caused enormous problems for local residents. It took a lot of time to get the use of the land for community purposes. Funding was obtained for purchase of the equipment from ward council funds and to create the exhibition there. Separate bid got the table tennis table from the Olympics. It is maintained by volunteers who lock up and open the gates every day. But, there have been issues with the neighbours about evening noise etc in the summer. So, none of this is easy! Community action rarely is. And, it raises interesting questions about community action and volunteers. No one should have to volunteer longer than they chose. So, should we never set up any community projects that rely on volunteers? What happens when people enjoy the community resources but there are no longer people wanting to maintain them.? The community garden also depends on volunteers, as does the We Love Myddleton Road group and Bowes Park Community Association too. It provides a great umbrella service for any group wanting to try to obtain funding or improve the area but it depends on volunteers. Anyway, even if people do not appreciate the equipment, I hope they appreciate the fantastic view along the New River. And the table tennis. And any donations to BPCA or offers of assistance would, I am sure, be much appreciated. I hope everyone enjoys the community picnic this weekend and the chance to celebrate the area and get to know each other.

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Permalink Reply by Joanna Burke on June 17, 2017 at 10:39

Well said, Cathy.  

And it's good to see that you're interested in improving the area, Kaye.  If you and your local friends felt able to volunteer some time to action some of your ideas.... we would love to help you access funding!  Do contact us at the BPCA if you want to pursue.

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Permalink Reply by Kaye De Moura Castanheira on June 18, 2017 at 10:50

Yes well said Cathy,

I have been pursing Haringey Council for 5 years and I also work for the NHS, so I am doing all I can with my limited time.

I have seen on the community board in Woodside Park, that a community gym will be put in place, so I am extremely happy that they have acknowledged our needs for more activities in our parks and for the good health of our people.

Perseverance is the answer.

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