The Council has confirmed that all businesses using Bedford Borough’s parks for their training sessions will be required to pay for a permit from 1 January.
From bootcamps to yoga, many local fitness instructors utilise the green open spaces and parks to train groups or individuals and the council say that the permits will make it safer and contribute to the upkeep of the parks.
In a statement, Bedford Borough Council said: “From 1 January 2022, people looking for a workout will be able to check that the activities are insured and licensed to be taking place – all approved instructors will be easily identifiable by their permit card.”
They say the permit cards will provide peace of mind that the fitness sessions are risk assessed, and also let people know that their instructor is contributing to the upkeep of the Borough’s award-winning parks and outdoor spaces.
“It will also make our parks safer for those taking part and other park users, as these organisations will be required to have insurance and safety measures in place before a permit is issued.”
However, the new initiative has received criticism from some business owners.
One fitness instructor, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Bedford Independent: “I’m very surprised these changes have come about during a global pandemic when we are actively trying to encourage people to exercise at the moment – especially outside.
“I agree that parks need to be maintained but we are paying our Council tax – our participants do too – and I would hope some of that money goes towards such costs.”
Instructors will be asked to carry their permit card while using the park, so people looking to join fitness groups and officers can see when unauthorised groups are using the park.
Cllr Charles Royden, Portfolio Holder for Environment said: “By introducing this permit system, people looking to exercise in our parks will be able to tell which groups are authorised, and help to manage demand on our parks.
“People running fitness groups and boot camps in our parks are charging people to take part, so it is only fair that they pay a small fee towards to Council, who work to maintain these parks all year round and this income will go towards that upkeep.”
Groups that the Council are aware of have already been contacted directly about this scheme and any groups that would like to get involved can visit bedford.gov.uk/events or for further information please contact events@bedford.gov.uk.
