Braishfield Young People's Ideas Shape New Outdoor Fitness Facilities

Test Valley Borough Council awards £6,812.30 for new equipment, selected by local youth through the NextGen project.

Generic image of outdoor fitness equipment on a village green.
AI

Generic image of outdoor fitness equipment on a village green.

Young people in Braishfield will soon see their ideas for new outdoor fitness facilities come to fruition, thanks to a £6,812.30 award from Test Valley Borough Council’s Community Delivery Fund.

The project, spearheaded by Cllr Sally Yalden and Braishfield Parish Council, addresses the community's desire for accessible outdoor exercise options following the removal of the village's former wooden fitness trail due to maintenance costs. Young residents, in particular, had highlighted limited opportunities for socialising and exercise within the village.
The new facilities will feature four pieces of outdoor fitness equipment centrally located on the recreation ground. Crucially, the selection of this equipment was driven by the young people themselves, who participated in consultation and engagement activities through the village’s NextGen project. Designed for year-round use and freely accessible, the equipment is intended to serve as a lasting community asset for all residents.
The NextGen project was initiated to ensure younger residents' involvement in village development. Young people aged 11 to 16 identified improved outdoor facilities as a key priority, presenting their findings to the parish council and community, where they received strong support.
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"Community-led projects are at the heart of the Community Delivery Fund, and this is a fantastic example of local people shaping the future of their village. What makes this project particularly special is that it began with young people sharing their ideas and aspirations for Braishfield, and those ideas have been listened to and acted upon."

Councillor Stewart MacDonald · Test Valley Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Led Projects
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"The new fitness equipment will create opportunities for people of all ages to be active, support physical and mental wellbeing, and provide a place where young people can come together. Just as importantly, it sends a powerful message that when young residents get involved and have their say, they can help bring about positive change in their community."

Councillor Stewart MacDonald · Test Valley Borough Council’s Portfolio Holder for Community Led Projects
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"I was fortunate to be involved in the conversations with young people that helped inspire this project, so it's wonderful to see their ideas being turned into something tangible for the community."

Councillor Sally Yalden
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"The young people who took part spoke passionately about wanting more opportunities to meet, spend time outdoors and be active. By working together, the parish council, local residents and the Community Delivery Fund have helped make that vision a reality. I hope the equipment is enjoyed by generations of Braishfield residents for years to come."

Councillor Sally Yalden
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"We're delighted to receive this funding and see this project moving forward. The loss of the original fitness trail was felt by many residents, and replacing it has been a priority for the parish council for some time."

Councillor Ian Knights · Vice Chairman Braishfield Parish Council
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"What makes this project particularly meaningful is that the equipment has been chosen with input from local young people. Their enthusiasm and ideas have helped shape the proposals, and we're grateful to everyone who supported the project along the way. We look forward to seeing the new facilities installed and enjoyed by residents of all ages."

Councillor Ian Knights · Vice Chairman Braishfield Parish Council
The Community Delivery Fund supports community-led projects across Test Valley that aim to strengthen local communities, build resilience, and create lasting benefits for residents.
Based on information from the official source: Test Valley Borough Council (02/11/2026)