OUTDOOR fitness classes are to be piloted at Richmond’s newly revamped Ronaldshay Park.

Richmond’s flagship play park was officially reopened this month following a £140,000 revamp.

Old play equipment has been replaced in the toddler area; six new pieces of inclusive equipment and a large cargo swing installed for older children; and a brand new Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) created.

Chairman of Richmondshire District Council, and local ward member, Councillor Stuart Parsons, cut the ribbon on the new look park with former councillor Linda Curran.

He said: "It is such an amazing feeling for both myself and former District Councillor Linda Curran to finally see all of the play parks in the old Richmond West Ward upgraded.

“We've been fighting for this for almost 16-years. We would like to thank all of the families who helped us to develop this scheme"

Parks at Whitcliffe Grange, Coronation Place and Riverside Road in the town have also been upgraded and improved under the Richmondshire District Council scheme.

Later this month Richmondshire Leisure Trust is providing a trainer from their Liberty Health Club to run two introductory sessions using the exercise equipment at Ronaldshay.

Cllr Parsons said: “This is a great way to exercise in the fresh air. An open air gym is a great addition to Ronaldshay Park and means that both adults and young people get to enjoy being outdoors together."

The free sessions are on July 23 and 24 from 12.30pm until 1.30pm.