Port Stephens Council has joined Rotary Club of Nelson Bay and Corlette Parks Reserves and Landcare Group in a bold new initiative aimed at encouraging people to exercise outdoors free of charge.

The initiative involves the installation of a cluster of exercise equipment to make an exercise trail for about two kilometres between Dutchies Beach and Corlette.

The $32,000 needed to purchase and install the equipment is being shared between Nelson Bay Rotary ($17,000) and the council ($15,000).

The idea was first mooted by Landcare group member David Birss when he moved to the Port in 2004.

"I first saw this equipment in Switzerland in the 1980s and after moving here I thought the Corlette foreshore would be a perfect site," Mr Birss said.

"Port Stephens has the third heaviest population in the Hunter and I believe installing this equipment next to playgrounds will encourage families, children and the more experienced users to participate.

"Providing free access to exercise equipment is essential to reducing healthcare costs and those on low incomes often cannot afford the cost of gym membership."

Mr Birss approached former Rotary club president Chris Bartlett to assist with funding.

"Rotary is always happy to support community projects, particularly when it comes to health and fitness," Mr Bartlett said.

The council's community and recreation co-ordinator Brendan Callander said the Corlette foreshore represented stage one and that a further roll-out across the Port would be investigated.

"The equipment is non-mechanical and focuses on stretching and fitness," he said.

"It is made of recycled plastic products, including supermarket bags, and will not split, rot, crack or need painting. It is also vandal resistant."