Stage one of Nelson Bay Exercise Trail opens

Costing $32,000, the static exercise equipment was the result of three community organisations working together to beat obesity and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Mr Birss said his bold plan required the co-operation of Port Stephens Council, the Rotary Club of Nelson Bay and the Corlette Parks Reserves and Landcare Group, of which he is a member.

‘‘The genesis of this project dates back to the early 1980s when I was living in Switzerland which was where I saw my first exercise trail,’’ Mr Birss said.

‘‘It was a simple construction made from timber and in a woodland setting. In 2003 as I walked along this pathway [East Bagnalls Reserve] I was transported to my time spent in Switzerland and imagined an exercise trail here.

‘‘We moved to Corlette in 2006 but it wasn’t until 2009 that I started to investigate how I could raise the money needed for the equipment and a leaflet to be made available to the public.’’

Mr Birss paid tribute to the council ($15,000), Rotary club ($17,000) and Landcare group for their generous contributions.

‘‘As a result we have an asset that will benefit the entire community including disadvantaged and minorities ... and best of all the equipment is free to use.’’

A council spokesman said that the material was made of recycled plastic products, including supermarket bags, and would not split, rot, crack or need painting. It was also vandal resistant, he said.

Mr Birss said that the second phase would link three locations - Victoria Parade, Little Beach and Shoal Bay - and would feature mechanically-based equipment with moving parts.

‘‘This equipment will facilitate a more advanced set of exercises extending the cardio-vascular element as well as improving muscle tone.’’

The opening was performed by mayor Bruce MacKenzie with Rotary president Anne Evans.

Also in attendance were Port Stephens MP Kate Washington and councillors John Nell and Sally Dover.