We’re excited to announce an important new project at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns in Cliftonville: Margate’s first completely free outdoor community gym.
Our team at GRASS Cliftonville CIC has launched a crowdfunding campaign to help bring this vision to life. The project will create a permanent outdoor fitness space within a new Wellness Garden at The Oval — open to everyone and free to use all year round.
👉 Support the project here:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/margate-outdoor-gym
A Park That Keeps Growing
Over the past five years we have been working with volunteers, residents and local organisations to transform The Oval Bandstand & Lawns into a vibrant community space.
What was once an underused park overlooking the sea now hosts more than 50 community events every year, including outdoor cinema, concerts, festivals, wellbeing classes and volunteer-led activities.
Now we want to take the next step in The Oval’s evolution by creating a permanent outdoor gym that encourages people of all ages to stay active.
Why Cliftonville Needs a Free Outdoor Gym
Cliftonville faces some of the highest levels of health inequality in Kent. Many residents simply cannot afford the cost of private gym memberships, and opportunities for free local exercise are limited.
This project removes that barrier.
By installing high-quality outdoor fitness equipment in the park, we will create a space where anyone can exercise freely in the fresh air.
The outdoor gym will include a range of equipment designed for different abilities, including:
• cardio fitness equipment
• strength and bodyweight training stations
• calisthenics bars and pull-up equipment
• accessible machines suitable for older adults
• stretching and mobility stations
Calisthenics and outdoor fitness have become hugely popular in recent years because they allow people to build strength and fitness using their own body weight.
For younger residents this provides a free alternative to expensive gym memberships, while older residents can benefit from gentle movement and mobility equipment designed to support healthy ageing.
Planning Permission Already Approved
Importantly, planning permission for the Wellness Garden and outdoor gym has already been approved by Thanet District Council.
This means the project is ready to move forward as soon as funding is secured.
Once installed, the outdoor gym will become a permanent free fitness space for the community.
A Wellness Garden for The Community
The outdoor gym will form part of a wider Wellness Garden at The Oval.
The space will combine exercise, nature and relaxation to create an environment where people can improve both their physical and mental wellbeing.
Alongside the gym equipment, the garden will include:
• landscaped planting and green spaces
• seating areas for relaxation
• space for stretching and gentle exercise
• an accessible environment welcoming to all ages
Our goal is to create a place where people can move, connect with others and enjoy being outdoors in one of Margate’s most beautiful community parks.
Help Us Make It Happen
As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, all income generated through our work is reinvested directly into improving The Oval and supporting the local community.
Creating Margate’s first free outdoor gym is the next step in that journey.
If you would like to help us build a healthier and more active Cliftonville, please consider supporting the project through our Crowdfunder campaign.
👉 Donate or learn more here:
https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/margate-outdoor-gym
Together we can create a space where people of all ages can stay active, improve their wellbeing and feel proud of their community.