Gymnastics Nelson improves accessibility with renovated facility
Gymnastics Nelson is making sport and recreation more accessible to the community, recently unveiling their newly renovated space in the city.
The upgraded Mosey Grayson Memorial Gymnastics Centre features an external lift and a fully accessible bathroom, ensuring ease of use for people in wheelchairs or with impaired mobility.
“We want to create an environment where people can come in and enjoy gymnastics without any barriers to participation, but our previous layout with stair access only wasn’t conducive to that,” says Gymnastics Nelson Club President Dennie Capell.
“Fortunately, funding organisations and local businesses have come together and supported our vision to provide a more inclusive space. We’re excited to welcome new gym members to our facility so everyone can benefit from our classes and programmes.”
The renovations are already making a difference, with Gymnastics Nelson now able to offer a Functional Fitness class for people with disabilities and a Forever Active class for adults aged 55-plus.
Margot Hannigan, a member of the club for 40 years, was unable to access the facility for a couple of years due to it being stair access only. This is no longer the case. “I can now watch gymnastics using the lift, but I can also appreciate the adaptability of the classes,” says Margot.
The club is also working in partnership with the Hapori team at Nelson City Council to develop programmes for former refugees and migrant communities.
New apparatus, specialised platforms and innovative training aids will add to the experience for gymnasts. A mezzanine floor for optimal viewing and improvements to the gym’s kitchen and bathroom facilities will serve athletes, coaches and spectators.
The mezzanine creates a more comfortable and user-friendly space for hosting birthday parties, holiday programmes, kindergarten visits and other social and community-centred events.
The project was made possible through support from Rātā Foundation, New Zealand Community Trust, and Lottery funding from Te Puna Tahua Lottery Grants Board.
Mainland Foundation, Pub Charity Limited, The Lion foundation, Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa, Foodstuffs South Island Community Trust and N.C.C Hapori Team also contributed to equipment upgrades and the expansion of the gym’s programme offering. Local businesses have thrown their support behind the project, contributing materials for the upgrades.
“One of the most important aspects of this project was having the support of past members, and local businesses who generously donated their time and materials to make the project a success,” says Gymnastics Nelson Project Coordinator Cindy Mosey.
Rātā Foundation Chief Executive Leighton Evans says the project shows the strength of community collaboration.
“For communities to thrive, it is important people have equitable access to activities that support their health and wellbeing,” says Leighton.
“This collaboration to address accessibility barriers at the current Gymnastics Nelson facility will help to increase participation in sport and recreation, particularly among under-served communities in the region.”