Kiama councillors will meet on Tuesday night to adopt a new policy for the use of its public reserves by commercial fitness trainers, bringing Kiama Council into line with Shellharbour and Wollongong councils.
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A draft policy was placed on public exhibition during March and April and 26 submissions were received.
Five submissions were from fitness industry stakeholders, two from the general public, and the remaining 19 from fitness industry participants.
The council has proposed a number of changes to the draft policy as a result of concerns raised.
The main issues that arose during the public exhibition were the belief fees were too high, concerns over class size limitations and that permitted hours of operation were restrictive.
Proposed changes to the draft policy include extending the permitted hours Monday to Saturday to 7pm (previously 6pm) eastern standard time and to 8.30pm daylight saving time (previously 8pm).
Following a review, maximum class sizes have been increased from 20 to 30 participants at South Werri Reserve, Coronation Park and Chittick Oval, while a revised fee structure will allow for "seasonal factors".
Should the policy be adopted by the council, an expression of interest process will commence for commercial and personal fitness trainers to seek permits to operate on public reserves.
Meanwhile, work on installing outdoor fitness equipment at five stations along Pacific Avenue, Werri Beach began on Monday.
Kiama councillors endorsed plans for the $65,000 trail of outdoor fitness equipment last May, with opinions divided on whether the equipment should be grouped in one location or spread along Pacific Avenue.
Installation work is expected to take three weeks.
