New gym for all abilities

Orange resident Rocky Mileto is used to waiting at the edge of a playground while he watches his children climb the equipment.

But not anymore thanks to a $35,000 grant secured by Orange City Council from the State Government.

The grant went towards an accessible gym for use by everyone, including Mr Mileto who is wheelchair bound.

“The thing is with this project is, lots of council’s talk about looking after everyone in the community, but they’ve gone and done it” Mr Mileto said.

“I am used to watching my nine year-old twins climb around but now I can join in, be active with them.”

Orange’s first accessible gym was officially opened on Thursday, June 30, by Orange City Council’s Deputy Mayor Chris Gryllis with help from several Anson Street School students who were keen to climb over, through and on the new equipment.

Acting Allied Health Manager at Orange Health Service, Lacey Healey, said the central location of the equipment, at Moulder Park, meant clients could get outside and be active with their families in their own time, rather than having to wait until scheduled appointments at Orange Health Service.

“Initially when Orange City Council approached us asking for our involvement, we really welcomed the opportunity because it gives another option for people with illness or disability to maintain their own health and well-being outside of what we can provide in the space of Orange Health Service and our rehab services,” she said.

Orange Councillors Russell Turner and Ron Gander supported Cr Gryllis at the opening of the accessible gym and both said the gym installation was a part of a larger project to provide facilities for all Orange residents.

“We’re really trying to make this a very liveable city for all people and all ages and all abilities,” Cr Gander said.

Anson Street School student, nine-year-old Thomas, said he couldn’t wait to take his family to see the new gym and wished he was tall enough to do pull-ups on his own.

“I will be soon and then I’ll be the strongest if I practice lots on the play equipment,” he said.

STRENGTH: Anson Street School student Thomas tries hard to do his first pull-up on the new accessible gym equipment at Moulder Park.