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How to Set Up Open Air Gym in Housing Society: Complete Guide

28 Nov 2025

Setting up an open air gym in your housing society is one of the best investments your RWA can make. It promotes fitness, builds community, and increases property value. This comprehensive guide walks you through every step of the process, from initial planning to successful implementation.

Why Your Housing Society Needs an Open Air Gym

Benefits for Residents

Health Benefits:

- Convenient access to fitness equipment 24/7

- Encourages regular exercise habits

- Suitable for all age groups

- No gym membership costs

Community Benefits:

- Creates social interaction space

- Brings neighbors together

- Safe environment for seniors and children

- Promotes healthy lifestyle culture

Property Benefits:

- Increases property resale value by 5-10%

- Attracts quality tenants

- Modern amenity for marketing

- Competitive advantage over other societies

Who Uses Open Air Gyms?

Age Group

Usage Pattern

Popular Equipment

 

Seniors (60+)

Morning 6-8 AM

Low-impact cardio, stretching

Adults (30-60)

Morning/Evening

Strength, cardio mix

Young Adults (18-30)

Evening 6-9 PM

Strength training, climbing

Children (6-18)

Afternoon/Evening

Climbing, monkey bars

Step-by-Step Setup Process

Step 1: Gauge Interest and Form Committee

Actions:

1. Conduct resident survey on fitness facility interest

2. Identify champions among residents

3. Form a sub-committee for the project

4. Define roles and responsibilities

Timeline: 2-4 weeks

Tip: Include residents of different age groups in the committee to ensure equipment selection suits everyone.

Step 2: Assess Available Space

Space Options:

- Unused corner of the property

- Rooftop or terrace (structural assessment needed)

- Near existing children's play area

- Adjacent to clubhouse or community hall

Minimum Space Requirements:

- Basic setup: 400-600 sq ft

- Standard setup: 800-1200 sq ft

- Premium setup: 1500-2500 sq ft

Site Considerations:

- Accessibility for all residents

- Natural ventilation and lighting

- Drainage and water runoff

- Noise impact on nearby units

- Security and visibility

Step 3: Budget Planning

Typical Budget Breakdown:

Component

Percentage

Amount (for ₹5L budget)

 

Equipment

50-60%

₹2,50,000 - 3,00,000

Safety Flooring

20-25%

₹1,00,000 - 1,25,000

Civil Work

10-15%

₹50,000 - 75,000

Landscaping

5-10%

₹25,000 - 50,000

Contingency

5%

₹25,000

Funding Options:

1. Maintenance fund allocation

2. Special assessment on residents

3. Corpus fund utilization

4. Combination of above

Step 4: Get RWA Approval

Documents to Prepare:

- Project proposal with benefits

- Budget estimate with breakdowns

- Equipment specifications

- Vendor quotations (minimum 3)

- Installation timeline

- Maintenance plan

Approval Process:

1. Present to Managing Committee

2. Get preliminary approval

3. Present to General Body Meeting

4. Pass resolution for fund allocation

5. Document approval in minutes

Sample Resolution:

"Resolved that the Association shall set up an Open Air Gym facility at [location] at an estimated cost of Rs. [amount], to be funded from [source], with completion targeted by [date]."

Step 5: Select Equipment

Essential Equipment for Housing Societies:

Strength Training:

- Parallel Bars - Versatile upper body exercise

- Monkey Bars - Fun and functional

Balance and Coordination:

- Balancing Stones

- Stepping Stones

- Log Roller

Climbing (for youth and children):

- Zig-Zag Climber - Agility challenge

- Twirly Climber - Spiral fun

- Spider Web - Full-body workout

Zig-Zag Climber

Cardio (if budget permits):

- Elliptical trainers

- Air walkers

- Cross trainers

Step 6: Choose Vendor

Evaluation Criteria:

Factor

Weightage

What to Check

 

Product Quality

30%

Material, certifications

Price

25%

Total cost including installation

Warranty

20%

Duration, coverage, terms

After-Sales

15%

Maintenance support, spare parts

Track Record

10%

References, past projects

Why Choose CBM IMPEX:

- Authorized OK Play dealer

- Complete installation included

- 5-year warranty on structures

- Local presence for quick support

- 100+ society installations

Step 7: Site Preparation

Civil Work:

1. Clear and level the ground

2. Mark equipment positions

3. Dig foundation pits (as per specifications)

4. Pour concrete and allow curing (14 days)

5. Install drainage if needed

Flooring Options:

Type

Cost/sq ft

Pros

Cons

 

EPDM

₹300-400

Durable, safe

Higher cost

Rubber Tiles

₹180-250

Easy install

Joints visible

Synthetic Grass

₹120-180

Natural look

Less impact protection

Step 8: Installation

Installation Timeline:

- Small setup (5-6 stations): 2-3 days

- Medium setup (8-10 stations): 4-5 days

- Large setup (15+ stations): 7-10 days

What to Verify:

- Equipment anchored securely

- No sharp edges or protrusions

- Moving parts function smoothly

- Safety clearances maintained

- Signage installed

Step 9: Create Usage Guidelines

Sample Rules:

1. Equipment for residents and guests only

2. Children under 6 must be supervised

3. Use at own risk; follow instructions

4. Report damages immediately to security

5. Timings: 5 AM to 10 PM

6. No food or drinks in the fitness area

7. Wear appropriate footwear

Signage to Install:

- Age recommendations for each equipment

- Exercise instructions with diagrams

- Emergency contact numbers

- Weight limits where applicable

Step 10: Maintenance Plan

Daily (by security/housekeeping):

- Visual inspection

- Debris removal

- Report any issues

Monthly (by committee member):

- Check all bolts and fasteners

- Inspect safety surfaces

- Test moving parts

- Clean equipment

Quarterly (by vendor):

- Professional inspection

- Lubrication

- Minor repairs

- Safety certification

Annual:

- Comprehensive servicing

- Paint touch-ups

- Component replacement if needed

Combine with Children's Playground

Create a family-friendly zone by adding:

Play Equipment:

- Swings - Economy and premium options

- See-Saws - 2 and 4 seater

- Merry-Go-Rounds - Toddler and standard

- Spring Riders - Various animal designs

Multi-Play Systems:

- Funstation Economy Models - Complete play structures

Common Challenges and Solutions

Challenge 1: Insufficient Budget

Solutions:

- Phase the installation over 2 years

- Start with essential equipment, add later

- Explore sponsorship from local businesses

- Consider equipment lease options

Challenge 2: Limited Space

Solutions:

- Choose multi-function equipment

- Utilize vertical space (climbing walls)

- Consider rooftop installation

- Optimize layout for maximum stations

Challenge 3: Resident Opposition

Solutions:

- Address noise concerns with proper location

- Share data on property value increase

- Highlight health benefits

- Involve opponents in committee

Challenge 4: Maintenance Concerns

Solutions:

- Sign AMC with vendor

- Build maintenance corpus

- Train security staff for daily checks

- Create resident volunteer schedule

Success Stories

Prestige Lakeside Habitat, Bangalore

Sobha Dream Acres, Bangalore


Ready to Set Up Your Society's Open Air Gym?

CBM IMPEX offers complete solutions for housing societies:

Get Your Free Consultation!

📞 Call: +91 93430 88815

💬 WhatsApp: +91 93430 88815

📧 Email: info@cbmimpex.com

🛒 Browse Equipment: shop.cbmimpex.com

Request a presentation for your RWA meeting!

 


Related Articles:

 

- Apartment Playground Equipment Guide for Housing Societies

- Open Air Gym vs Children's Playground: What Your Society Needs

- Playground Maintenance Guide for Apartment Associations

 


CBM IMPEX - Transforming Housing Societies with Premium Fitness & Play Equipment