Fitness group's playground workouts spark debate over public space use
A men's fitness group using a suburban playground for training sessions has defended its presence after a complaint to Adelaide's Burnside Council claimed the sight of dozens of shirtless men left some parents feeling intimidated.
The group has been meeting at the Glenside playground, where members use the equipment for strength and calisthenics workouts.
WATCH ABOVE: Men's fitness group defends using kids playground for exercise
But one parent told our website the sessions had effectively taken over the space.
"The concerns were that a large group of men, bare-chested, had taken over the playground," Anne Monceaux said, adding their numbers had discouraged some children from using the area.
But the group's founder, Ashton Lake, rejects the criticism, telling our website they've never had "one bad complaint" and that the sessions are aimed at helping young men channel their energy into something positive.
"It was designed to help guide young men or boys onto the right path," he said.
Lake said the equipment is suitable for adults as well as children.
"The manufacturer's website actually lists it as fitness equipment. It's weight-rated accordingly and we're using it for what it's designed for," he said.
Burnside Council confirmed it is investigating the complaint and said no permit had been issued for exclusive use of the playground.
CEO Julia Grant said public spaces "should be for everyone" and noted the council does not grant exclusive access to playgrounds under any circumstances.
She said there are dedicated fitness stations at Kensington Wama/Kensington Gardens Reserve that are better suited to structured exercise, and which are sometimes booked by fitness businesses.
Lake said the group is willing to work with the council if another location is preferred.
"It's a council public space - we're not there to take over. We're just there to train," he said.
Some locals say they've never had an issue.
"I've seen the group down here. They seem to be having a really good time and keeping to themselves, so it wasn't a problem," resident Sally Paech said.
