Case Studies
East Point Street Workout

Design Feature

Type of project
Infrastructure
State
Northern Territory
Location
Urban
The East Point Street Workout (EPSW) is currently the largest, most inclusive outdoor bodyweight exercise station in Australia. The site features approximately 200 square metres of workout space, suitable for people of all abilities.
An outdoor health and fitness hub
Located at East Point Reserve, Darwin, EPSW was established as an upgrade to the existing pull up bars which no longer met the needs of the community, the members of which enjoyed using the reserve for fitness and recreational purposes. The upgrade was completed over four weeks in October 2019, and officially opened for public use in November of 2019.

EPSW offers a range of body-weight training equipment for people of all abilities. The custom designed infrastructure by Spartan Parks includes two vertical/dance poles, two dip bar stations, two ring bars and two multi-bars for close/wide grip chin-ups at varying heights, a boxing bag holder and a speed-bag platform. Additional equipment available to the public includes low and high horizontal bar variations for chin-ups, pull-ups, muscle-ups and other calisthenics and cross-fit exercises, including a vertical and horizontal ladder, triple bar and a wing overhang. Several of these components have been designed to be accessible for people using a wheelchair.
The site is surrounded by public open space and can be accessed via a pedestrian path that runs alongside it. It additionally features a disability access ramp that is positioned directly in front of two dedicated disability parking bays, ensuring ease of access for those with limited mobility.

The local community, led by Bar Brothers & Sisters Darwin, had significant input into the development of this project, together with primary stakeholders; the City of Darwin (Council)and the Northern Territory Government (NTG). The project was supported by Total Recreation NT Inc. – a Darwin based not-for-profit organisation focused on the inclusion of people with disabilities in sport and recreation, led by CEO Keoh Goodall, as well as the Local Electoral Office of The Hon. Chief Minister of the Northern Territory; Michael Gunner, who is the local member for the electorate of Fannie Bay.
Funding for the project derived largely from the Community Benefit Fund (NTG), backed by two Community Grants (City of Darwin), and in-kind and written support provided by 16 other local organisations and businesses, as well as a community petition with over 300 signatures in favour of the upgrade.
The upgrade has improved livability in Darwin by providing a vital public asset that promotes health and wellbeing while enabling all members of the community to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle at no cost. Furthermore, it has had a positive impact on the overall use of the area, transforming it into a popular outdoor health and fitness hub.
Project team
  • Northern Territory Government
  • City of Darwin
  • Total Recreation NT
  • Spartan Parks
  • Bar Brothers & Sisters Darwin (Zachariah Thorbjornsen, Jerome Thorbjornsen, Elleni Thorbjornsen)

Project Cost
Unavailable
Health value
Outdoor exercise facilities, including EPSW, provide opportunities for physical activity, which reduces the risk of chronic disease and supports improved mental health. This is acknowledged in The Value of Community Sport Infrastructure (2018), a report published by KPMG, LaTrobe School of Health and the Australian Sports Commission.

Economic Value
  • EPSW has become a point of interest, attracting more people, both locals and interstate visitors, into East Point Reserve for fitness and recreation purposes.
  • This increased level of traffic has prompted an increase in applications for Food Truck permits. This extra activity has seen the Council invest $40,000 towards the installation of power sources to accommodate the activity.
  • The site provides opportunities for physical activity goal setting, which can build improved community health, human capital and support positive education and employment outcomes.

Environmental Value
  • Several trees have been planted around EPSW to boost green space and provide natural shade.

Social Value
The inclusive and accessible nature of EPSW provides social value in bringing community members together. The site:
  • Facilitates peer-to-peer integration and the development of social skills among young people (including those with a disability).
  • Supports engagement across multicultural communities by providing a safe space for users from all backgrounds to interact around a common goal: getting fit and healthy.
  • Provides a space for health-focused youth diversion programs to be delivered at zero cost. This includes those delivered by grassroots organisations, such as the Balunu Foundation


Use Value
  • EPSW is situated in proximity to an amenities block, barbeque facilities, water bubblers and children’s playground, making it an ideal destination for people to gather and socialise.
  • The site is used daily by members of the public and community groups (e.g. Bar Brothers & Sisters Darwin), as well as personal training groups, including groups from local indoor gyms.
  • Monthly Progress and Come ‘N’ Try events are held on the last Saturday morning of each month for anyone who participates in bodyweight/calisthenics training on site or for people who are new to the sport and want to have a go with the assistance of more experienced users.
  • Use of the asset by the community sets a positive example and helps to establish positive role modelling for local youth, assisting in the reduction of crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.


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