Outdoor gyms in Bengaluru parks are a hit in many areas, but cry for regular maintenance Premium

Chandrashekhar M.R., Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, BBMP, feels that while most residents use the gym equipment efficiently, that’s not the case with everyone.

Sankey Tank was the first public space in Bengaluru to have outdoor gym equipment in 2015. In the years that followed, almost every other park or lake with an adjoining park had gym equipment installed by the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP). These gyms became an instant hit amongst many, especially homemakers and the elderly.

However, thanks to the lack of regular maintenance by authorities and the absence of awareness among park users on how to use the equipment, most of the outdoor gyms in the city have been damaged over the years and rendered dysfunctional.

Speaking to The Hindu, Somanna M., a resident of Varadharaja Nagar near M.S. Palya, says that most gym equipment in the parks in the are damaged and have remained so for long.

“A few parks in our area have gym equipment, but after installation, they were used hardly for a few months. The outdoor gyms have been damaged for a long time and are not repaired or maintained by the BBMP at all,” he complains. 

“The BBMP needs to understand that regular maintenance of the outdoor gym is the only way for it to last longer. Regular oiling and other repairs must be done. Bengaluru’s weather conditions are also getting harsher. If the outdoor gym can be provided with just a sheet roof it will help protect the equipment from harsh conditions,” Somanna added.

The Varadharaja Nagar resident said that there is also a need for the residents to be educated on how to use the equipment, as a large part of the damage is inflicted by the users themselves. 

Chandrashekhar M.R., Deputy Director, Horticulture Department, BBMP, feels that while most residents use the gym equipment efficiently, that’s not the case with everyone.