A REVAMP of a city park, including the resurfacing of two artificial sports pitches and the refurbishment of an outdoor gym, has been completed.

The work at Chelmer Park was a collaboration between Chelmsford City Council and Chelmsford Hockey Club.

The new outdoor gym has 11 new stations, providing exercise facilities for up to 18 people at any one time.

Each piece of equipment has a QR code, which gives individuals with smartphones the ability to access an online personal trainer for workouts and instructions on how to get the best out of each piece.

Each organisation funded its own pitch and the total investment made was in excess of £400,000.

The rejuvenation of the park brought together the hockey club and city council once more, as an example of collaborative working within the local community for the benefit of local people.

The pitches have been refurbished to provide the latest sand-dressed surfaces, bringing both up to the latest International Federation of Hockey Standards. This means the pitches can be used for any match up to National League Premier Division and junior international competitions.

Dignitaries joined together on Sunday, November 5 at the park for the official opening.

The Mayor of Chelmsford, councillor Duncan Lumley, was invited to the ceremony as a special guest to cut the ribbon.

AstroSport constructed the pitch surfaces and Wicksteed Leisure provided the outdoor gym equipment.

The gym facility at Chelmer Park is identical to the one the city council unveiled at Compass Gardens, South Woodham Ferrers in October.

Councillor Bob Massey, cabinet member for parks, said: “One cannot but appreciate the excellence of these sports facilities.

“This is very much due to the investment which has been made by both the city council and the hockey club and I, for one, am proud that the city council has been able to play its part in getting to this launch and play its part in creating these facilities which will go on to be used into the distant future, providing a lasting legacy.”