AN EXTRA £35k is expected be injected into one of Reading’s largest parks to overhaul gym equipment, writes Tevye Markson.

Palmer Park was granted £116,200 in March 2018. All but £3,900 of the funding has been allocated to the refurbishment and maintenance of 3G pitches at the site.

The East Reading park will receive a total of £151,25 if the funding goes ahead, with the additional cash going towards the purchase of 28 new items of gym equipment including static bikes and treadmills.

The funding has not been officially confirmed as, up until Monday, September 3, councillors may request in writing to the Head of Legal and Democratic Services that a decision be referred either to a committee or the council for formal resolution.

The work is part of a major £786k investment across Reading’s Parks from 2018 to 2020, approved by the council’s housing, neighbourhoods and leisure committee in March 2018.

The decision was made by Reading Borough Council’s (RBC) director of environment and neighbourhood services, under delegated powers, in consultation with Councillor Graeme Hoskin and RBC’s head of finance.

Policy and project officer Lynne Reynolds reported that condition of the equipment has been the subject of a number of complaints from customers.

Gym membership at Palmer Park currently yields around £20,000 per month.

Ms Reynolds report concluded that failure to replace it will result in a reduction of gym membership and subsequent income pressures.

Refurbishment of the three 3G pitches, which opened over ten years ago, will commence on Wednesday, September 5 and is likely to last three weeks.

As well as a new surface, new permanent internal fencing is being installed to replace the acoustic boards and netting which separates the pitches.

The work will necessitate the closure of the pitches, but users have the option to use the wider park for football or pitches at Prospect Park while the work is carried out.

Cllr Graeme Hoskin, lead member for health, wellbeing and sport, added: “I am delighted we are in a position to deliver such an extensive plan of improvements across Reading’s green spaces, with some great work recently completed at Prospect and Cintra parks.

“Where we live, and the quality of our immediate environment has a huge impact on our quality of life and wellbeing.

“This level of investment shows we are committed to keeping the town clean, safe, green and active.”