‘A bro area full of testosterone': Tension over the Bondi Beach gym crackdown
Long-term users of the Bondi Park Fitness Station want Waverley Council to allow gym gear to be returned to the site after complaints resulted in the removal of the equipment in March.
Regular gym users say they were left stunned when the free weights were removed in response to concerns the site had become a public liability risk for Waverley Council.
A council report outlining concerns stated the fitness equipment posed safety risks, including potential trip hazards that might expose the council to claims for injuries.
The report added the removal of the equipment was in line with broader work by the council to 'rein in commercial operators' from the region's parks and reserves.
Along with safety concerns, there has also been debate over the equitable use of the site after some residents complained the gym was primarily used by groups of men and alienated other users, including women.
Joey Pamment, a regular user of the fitness station, believes the council crackdown is incongruous with Bondi's fitness lifestyle.
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