The Mayor of Preston cuts the ribbon as he officially opens the new adiZone outdoor gym, at Ashton Park.

Moor Park is set to be given an adidas makeover, with the installation of Preston’s second adiZone outdoor gym.

The plans were put to Preston City Council’s planning committee last Monday, and were approved, providing English Heritage had no objections.

Since the planning meeting, English Heritage told Blog Preston: “Unfortunately we were only able to send our letter the day after the meeting which is why it’s recorded in the minutes as an extended consultation process.

“We have no objections to the plans and have now sent the letter confirming this. So everything should be going ahead.”

Preston is one of only 40 places in the UK to host an adiZone gym, and will be the only city in the North West to boast two.

Lisa McManus, a member of The Friends of Moor Park group, was worried that nearby trees would be the victim of the upgrade: “The feeling amongst the group is that it would be a positive addition to the facilities already available on the park, especially for older children and will sit nicely alongside the other equipment already available. There were some concerns initially that trees may be removed to make way for the facility but we have been assured that none will be chopped down.

“We hope that in the future the Friends of Moor Park will be able to raise funds for further equipment in the children’s play area.”

The first adiZone in the city was installed last month in Ashton Park, and was opened by local sporting hero Jason Kenny, and members of the Preston North End squad.

Seb Coe, Chair of the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games said: “It’s fantastic to see adidas expanding the adiZone programme to Preston. The adiZones inspire young people to become more active and help make our vision of encouraging these young people to choose sport a reality.”

The gym is expected to open in April 2011, and will be free to use.