Outdoor Fitness and Activity Groups

If you are considering, or would like to run outdoor fitness sessions we have a number of parks and open spaces around the town for you to choose from.

Visit the Parks and Open Spaces section for information about local parks around the town, including Fairlands Valley Park and the Town Centre Gardens. Activity sessions are not limited to main parks and open spaces, there are lots smaller green spaces that can be used.

Before permission can be granted, you or your organisation must provide information and documents to show that your activity can be delivered safely and responsibly.

Please read the Conditions relating to Activities held on Stevenage Borough Council parks and open spaces before applying. By submitting your application, you confirm that you agree to follow these conditions.

Applying for permission

Online applications only will be accepted. Submit your application as soon as you start planning your sessions.

As part of the application process you will need to upload, when requested, copies of:

• A map of your chosen park with the area you intend to use edged in red
• Public liability insurance certificate
• Example of your PAR-Q form
• First Aid Certificates for all relevant staff, volunteers and trainers
• Qualification certificates
• Safeguarding policies and procedures if activities involve children under 18 or vulnerable adults
• DBS certificates where appropriate
• Risk Assesment

Risk assessments

You must provide detailed risk assessments for the activities you plan to deliver.

Your risk assessment should consider:

• the activity taking place
• the area of the park you will be using
• other park users and how your activity may affect them
• any steps you will take to reduce risks.

Public liability insurance

All fitness groups, activity providers and event organisers must provide evidence of valid public liability insurance before operating on council land.

Stevenage Borough Council recommends a minimum level of £10 million public liability cover.

Please note: your liability insurance could be deemed invalid if you carry out fitness activities on private land without having landlord consent. 

Qualifications

You must provide evidence of any relevant qualifications needed for your activity.

Qualifications must:

• relate to the activity being delivered
• be recognised by the relevant governing body or professional organisation
• be valid and in date when the activity takes place.

First aid

All fitness groups, activity providers and event organisers must provide evidence of a valid first aid qualification before operating on council land.

The qualification must be current and in date when the activity takes place.

Safeguarding

Where relevant, you must provide evidence that you have appropriate safeguarding policies and procedures in place for children and vulnerable adults.

This may include:

• child safeguarding policies
• vulnerable adult safeguarding policies
• evidence that staff and volunteers have the appropriate level of DBS check, as required by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

All safeguarding documents and DBS checks must be valid and in date when the activity takes place.