New Gym coming to Harden
Though it is still a work in progress, the Hard Rock Gym in the old Foodworks building is rapidly taking shape.
With the hope of opening towards the end of July, work on the facility is in full swing. “We’ve only been at it 3 weeks full-time,” said Glenn Stewart of the Hard Rock Gym and Zac’s Place. “We’ve been doing it during holidays and weekends since February.” Glenn and his wife Ros have been working hard to get the gym going, in addition to providing crisis housing through Zac’s Place, which has a house in Albury Street. Glenn and Ros have had to contend with termites and the ravages of time at the former site of Sewell’s shop and Foodworks, and have met challenge after challenge. “We have a lot to do,” said Glenn. “Something always comes up.”
The gym includes a general purpose area for conferences, classes, and even performances. There is also a breakfast bar with kitchenette facilities, a pool room, a computer room, 3 bathrooms and facilities for the disabled. It also has an impressive room for weight training. “There’ll be the most free weights you will ever see in one room,” said Glenn.
Glenn and Ros bought the gym from Glenn’s brother, Andrew, in Wagga. They have brought the gym to Harden to provide a service to the community and to support Zac’s Place through its proceeds. The intended opening hours for the gym will be Monday to Friday, 6:00 am to 10:00 am and 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. From 10:00 am to 4:00 pm, the gym will be available for community programs such as gentle exercise for seniors, and “mothers & bubs” classes. On weekends, the gym will be open for two six hour blocks per day.
The times will be decided by community demand, with the aim of running youth programs on Saturday and Sunday evenings. In planning the gym, Glenn and his wife Ros have tried to be inclusive, and keep the needs of the community in mind. “There’ll be something for everyone, and we are also open to suggestions,” he said. “We want to give back to the community and give a positive first option for young people.”