Outdoor gyms are treated by construction law as objects of minor architecture. Therefore, a building permit is not required, but it is necessary to report the planned project to the appropriate architectural department in the locality. You have to wait about a month for approval. If after this time the investor does not receive any contraindications, he can start construction.
When putting up an outdoor gym, location is very important. For the sake of safety and comfort of users, the plot of land for outdoor fitness must not be located in isolated places on the outskirts of cities. If exercise equipment is located in close proximity to playgrounds, it should be properly separated. Why? According to the definition, outdoor gyms are intended for people 14 years of age and older, or for those with a minimum height of 140 cm. In young children, unskillful use of fitness equipment could end in injury or trauma. So if the developer wants to create a comprehensive recreational facility for children and adults in one place, then he must
- Street demarcation lines,
- Windows and doors of neighboring buildings,
- Waste collection sites.
The area should also be avoided:
- Parking lots, through increased traffic,
- Warehouses and halls, as industrial equipment may be used nearby,
- Large stores and shopping malls to avoid restraining exercisers,
- Bicycle paths and other traffic routes due to the risk of accidents.
Suitable terrain and surface
In addition, the outdoor gym must be placed on level ground. There must not be any depressions or bulges on it, as they can make the installed equipment unstable, as well as promote the accumulation of rainwater, leading to rapid corrosion of the equipment or significantly hinder its use.
Equally important is the surface, which is supposed to cushion falls, protect equipment, ensure exercise comfort and drain accumulated water. The cheapest option is lawn, sand, gravel or wood chips. However, such a choice requires constant care and frequent maintenance, as natural paving is susceptible to heavy use, as well as adverse weather conditions. There are many artificial surfaces on the market that meet the necessary standards. Among them are synthetic grass, hypertrophic mats, slabs of rubber granules and poured polyurethane surfaces, which are very soft and aesthetically pleasing.
Outdoor gym equipment
It is important that the recreational equipment located in the outdoor gym comply with the PN-EN 16630:2015-06 standard, which takes into account, among other things, the recommended manufacturing materials, method of manufacture, assembly and installation, so that the life of the equipment is as long as possible and the risk of failure is as low as possible. In addition, each piece of outdoor fitness equipment must be provided with clear operating instructions, including graphics. The developer should also ensure that the equipment does not stand too close to each other and is differentiated in terms of difficulty level, as well as the types of exercises performed. A highly visible board with the gym’s general rules and regulations and the contact information of the facility’s owner or supervisor is also mandatory.