Award-winning walking group brings outdoor exercise space to village green
AN award-winning community walking group has partnered with Scotland’s leading walking charity Paths for All to bring innovative outdoor strength and balance equipment to the heart of Kemnay, the first in Aberdeenshire.
The initiative was led by Positive Steps Kemnay, which was formed in 2014 to offer opportunities for adults of all ages and abilities to take part in walking activity.
Over 30 people gathered to celebrate the official opening at Kemnay Village Green, following a morning Strength and Balance session at Kemnay Village Hall.
Local councillors Hazel Smith joined the celebrations, with attendees led to the village green by piper John Wallace, a Positive Steps Kemnay walk member.
Rob Mackay, Coordinator Positive Steps Kemnay said: “Our interest in the Strength & Balance posts was sparked when Hilda Hart attended the Paths for All conference in 2022 and we could see the potential of having these posts installed in our Village Green. A popular spot for villagers including a Happy to Chat bench.
“We are delighted now that the 8 Posts have been installed and look both splendid and inviting. These posts are available not only to members of Positive Steps Kemnay but also to the wider community, across all age groups. We can already see these posts been used and this will only add to the health and wellbeing benefits for all of us.
The ribbon-cutting honours were performed by group member Kathleen Wilson, while Coordinator Hilda Hart delivered remarks on behalf of the organisation.
The installation marks the culmination of an 18-month journey by Positive Steps Kemnay, who were awarded Health Walk of the Year in 2022. The group identified the need for outdoor Strength and Balance equipment to complement its existing Health Walks and indoor exercise programmes.
The Paths for All Strength and Balance programme combines simple exercises with advice on walking to help adults maintain mobility, stability and confidence in movement. The new installation features eight exercise posts, strategically placed in Kemnay’s Village Green to ensure accessibility for all community members.
Rob added: “Many thanks to all the agencies that have supported us, including the team at Paths for All, and our funders including Aberdeenshire Council, the Monymusk Thrift Shop and the Kemnay Co-op Community Fund.”
Hazel Smith, local Kemnay councillor who also lives within the village, said: “This is a wonderful addition to our community green space. It is fantastic that residents will now have access to this strength and balance equipment to help them stay active and independent.”
Kathleen Wilson, who has been part of the walking group since 2018: “I was diagnosed with a long-term medical condition 10 years ago; I didn’t think I would make it 83. Coming to Strength and Balance classes and the Health Walks has helped me recover and keep my health.
“The posts are fantastic. Anyone can use them, you don’t need to come to Positive Steps Kemnay, the community here can use them all the time, they’re so accessible.”
Kevin Lafferty, Chief Executive of Paths for All, said: “By providing a dedicated outdoor space for Strength and Balance activities, residents have the opportunity to move and be active in a peaceful, natural setting, which can significantly boost their wellbeing. I’d like to thank the dedicated volunteers, who’ve worked so hard to bring this to fruition for the Kemnay community.”
Those interested in joining Positive Steps Kemnay can contact Office Bearers Rob MacKay, Hilda Hart, or Ian Booth through email at info@positivestepskemnay.uk.
Positive Steps Kemany are members of Paths for All’s Scottish Health Walk Network and the project made possible through funding from Aberdeenshire Council, the Co-operative Community Fund, and Moneymusk Thrift Shop.
