Monitoring and optimising outdoor fitness equipment usage in SA
The project will examine how council-owned outdoor fitness sites are used, who uses them, what users value, and any barriers that can limit participation. Findings will guide council future planning, investment, renewal and activation of outdoor fitness infrastructure.
Who this is for
This project benefits the local government sector and the local community.
What's being delivered
- Data-driven insights into outdoor fitness equipment usage.
- Toolkit to help councils make informed decisions when planning new outdoor fitness sites and/or refurbishing existing sites.
About the project
Councils have invested substantially in public spaces that encourage healthy, active lifestyles. More than 200 outdoor fitness equipment stations have been installed by councils across South Australia.
These facilities are free, accessible and widespread, particularly in metropolitan areas. But there's limited evidence about how they're being used, which equipment people prefer, and whether they meet the needs of diverse users.
This project will address the evidence gap and help councils make more informed decisions about new installations, refurbishments, and future infrastructure investment.
Project delivery
The following measures were used to understand the use of outdoor equipment across participating councils:
- Movement sensors installed on 75 pieces of outdoor fitness equipment across 10 sites, collecting usage data from May 2025 to April 2026.
- 120 hours of structured observation across six sites, supported by intercept surveys with 46 adult park users.
- Walk-along interviews with 20 community members, including older adults, people experiencing disadvantage or disability, and fitness professionals.
- Discussions with four outdoor fitness equipment manufacturers about design, installation, intended users and council collaboration.
- Council engagement and sector-wide knowledge sharing to inform practical implementation.
- An evidence-informed Outdoor Fitness Equipment Planning Guide for councils.
Project outcomes
An Outdoor Fitness Equipment Planning Guide has been developed from the monitoring data and community insights across four metro and one regional council.
The guide shows how equipment is used and supports councils to:
- plan new sites
- refurbish existing facilities
- activate outdoor gyms.
This project recorded 265,000 usage events at the ten outdoor fitness equipment sites in the monitored areas. These events showed which equipment was used and how. Data was gathered from 1 May 2025 to 30 April 2026.
The guide includes an avenue for councils to consult with the project team, at a nominated cost, to support future decision-making.
Partnerships
Project partners include:
- City of Adelaide
- Berri Barmera Council
- City of Holdfast Bay
- City of West Torrens
- City of Salisbury
Project funding
This project is funded through the Local Government Research and Development Scheme.
This scheme allocates funding to projects that support the development of SA local government. Successful applicants are decided through an annual grant round.
Find out more
If you have any questions about this project or the Research and Development Scheme, please contact:
Mathilde Thorsen
Senior Projects and Grants Coordinator
Email: mathilde.thorsen@lga.sa.gov.au