Always on
This project successfully funded on 3rd June 2026, you can still support them with a donation.
Margate’s First Free Outdoor Gym
Margate, Kent, United Kingdom
£1,116
raised so far
Crowdfunder is secure
Your payment details are protected
Aim
Creating Margate’s first free outdoor public gym at The Oval in Cliftonville, giving residents of all ages access to accessible fitness
Margate’s First Free Outdoor Gym at The Oval
Imagine being able to step into a beautiful seaside park and exercise completely free, no memberships, no fees, no barriers.
That’s exactly what we want to create at The Oval Bandstand & Lawns in Cliftonville: Margate’s first free outdoor community gym.
For the past five years our team at GRASS Cliftonville CIC has been bringing The Oval back to life. What was once a neglected space overlooking the sea is now a thriving community hub hosting more than 50 events every year, from outdoor cinema and concerts to wellbeing classes and volunteer projects.
But we want to go further.
Cliftonville faces some of the highest levels of health inequality in Kent. Many local residents simply cannot afford the cost of gym memberships, and opportunities to stay active locally are limited.
That means young people miss out on safe, positive ways to stay active. Older residents often have nowhere accessible to exercise. And many people who want to improve their health feel locked out by cost.
This project changes that.
We are creating a free outdoor gym in the heart of the park, a place where anyone can come to move, train, stretch, and improve their health surrounded by fresh air and community.
Young people will be able to use calisthenics and strength equipment to build confidence and fitness without paying expensive gym fees.
Older residents will have accessible machines designed for gentle movement, balance and mobility, helping people stay active and independent.
Friends will meet here. Families will exercise together. Beginners will feel welcome.
And because it sits within our new Wellness Garden, the gym will be surrounded by green space designed for relaxation, connection and wellbeing.
Importantly, planning permission for the outdoor gym and Wellness Garden is already in place from Thanet District Council, meaning the project is ready to go as soon as funding is secured.
This isn’t just about installing gym equipment.
It’s about creating a visible, lasting investment in the health of our community, a place where people of all ages can come together, get active, and feel proud of their park.
With your support we can build Margate’s first free outdoor gym at The Oval.
A place where health is free, the community comes together, and everyone has the chance to feel stronger.
What your support will deliver
With your support we will create a fully installed outdoor gym within our new Wellness Garden at The Oval.
Backers will help us deliver:
• Installation of 8–10 pieces of professional outdoor fitness equipment
• Accessible safety surfacing designed for all ages and abilities
• New pathways connecting the gym to the park and bandstand
• Seating and rest areas so people can exercise at their own pace
• Clear instruction signage to help beginners use the equipment safely
• A Wellness Garden designed for relaxation and movement with matching planting
Once installed, the gym will be free to use every day of the year.
A place for everyone
This will not be a traditional gym hidden behind membership fees. It will be a community fitness space where:
• residents can exercise outdoors at no cost
•Young people can train and get fit and healthy
• older adults can stay active in a safe environment
• beginners can build confidence without pressure
• neighbours can meet, move and socialise together
We will also run free launch sessions and introductory community workouts so people feel comfortable using the equipment and discovering the benefits of outdoor exercise.
Why The Oval
The Oval Bandstand & Lawns sits at the heart of Cliftonville West and already attracts thousands of visitors each year through community events, volunteering and local partnerships.
As a not-for-profit Community Interest Company, every pound we raise is reinvested into the park and the surrounding community.
Our vision
We believe public parks should actively support people’s health. This project is about more than installing equipment it’s about creating a visible, welcoming space where residents feel encouraged to move, improve their wellbeing and feel part of a positive community.
With planning permission already secured, this project is ready to happen.
With your help we can create Margate’s first free outdoor gym, open to everyone, every day.
Together we can turn The Oval into a place where health, community and nature come together.
Funding method
Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made