A PRIZE Blackbird Leys beauty spot is to get a fitness trail.

Consultation is starting on the new outdoor gym stations at Blackbird Leys Park in Pegasus Road.

And it could be linked with running trails stretching from the park to Gillian’s Park and Spindlebury Park.

The revamp is part of the wider Leys Regeneration programme and is seen as a key part of the transformation of Oxford’s largest estate.

Environmental charity Groundwork Thames Valley put in a bid for funding from Wren, which gives out money from landfill tax credits to good causes, on behalf of Oxford City Council.

The new fitness trail is expected to cost between £60,000 and £70,000.

The proposal came from work the city council has carried out with the Prince’s Foundation charity, which is behind the multi-million pound Leys regeneration pan.

City council parks councillor Mark Lygo said: “We hope to start health walks and runs, and could link all three parks.

“The thinking is to get something for everyone in Blackbird Leys and Greater Leys.

“Everyone knows the health benefits and with the football teams playing here, the open space for the nursery and the playgrounds it is becoming a busy and exciting part of Oxford. The consultation is starting so we want as many residents as possible to tell us what they want to see.”

Dylan Davies, team leader at Blackbird Leys Leisure Centre in Pegasus Road said: “A fitness trail would be wonderful for the area, especially for older people as getting them out and active is really important.

“The social benefits mustn’t be overlooked too as exercising together can be a really fun way of keeping fit.”

Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground secretary Sue Price added: “The park is beautiful and in the summer it is a sight to behold. We sometimes joke that the adventure playground will lose all its youngsters because the park is so attractive but to have them both in that area really has given a lift.

“It is something we should all celebrate.”

City council spokeswoman Louisa Dean said: “We will include runs of varying distances on the fit trail signage.

“It will be inclusive for all ages and a range of abilities with a range of equipment.”

As part of the wider regeneration a skate park at Frys Hill Park in Greater Leys has been completed and was also funded by Wren and cash from the parish council.