lifestyle

Croydon Parks Connect Residents Across New Addington, Sanderstead Fitness Options

Council resources and outdoor facilities connect residents with activity options across areas including New Addington and Sanderstead.

By Croydon Lifestyle Desk · Published 19 July 2026

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Croydon Parks Connect Residents Across New Addington, Sanderstead Fitness Options — Storyblocks

Croydon Council launched a free physical activity finder tool on JustBeCroydon.org to help residents locate hundreds of low-cost and free exercise classes like belly dancing, football, and trampolining across the borough.

Outdoor facilities shaping local areas

The borough is investing up to £370,000 to roll out five new active outdoor spaces, including new outdoor gyms in Goldcrest Way (New Addington), King George’s Field, and Grangewood Park, alongside existing sites in Lloyd Park and Sanderstead. These additions place equipment directly in neighbourhoods where people already move through daily routines, from shopping trips to park visits. The placements tie fitness into the everyday character of streets and green spaces rather than isolating it in dedicated centres.

Activity patterns across Croydon

Approximately 66.3% of Croydon adults are classified as physically active (achieving at least 150 minutes per week), matching the national average, though activity levels are significantly lower in the most deprived areas (55%) compared to the least deprived (68.1%). The variation appears across different parts of the borough, with the new outdoor gyms and class finder positioned to reach spots where participation has room to grow. National 2026 fitness trends driving UK interest include Japanese walking (interval walking) and Walking yoga, which saw Google search increases of 2,968% and 2,414% respectively, alongside a surge in strength training and home workouts. These trends align with the outdoor gyms that support bodyweight and interval-style movement without indoor membership costs.

Live Well service and next steps

Croydon’s free Live Well service has been updated to provide top tips for maintaining a healthy weight, stopping smoking, and reducing alcohol intake to support healthier lifestyle behaviors. Residents can start by entering their postcode into the JustBeCroydon.org finder to see nearby classes or head to one of the listed parks to try the outdoor equipment. The Live Well service offers additional guidance on daily habits that complement the physical options already available in the borough.