**Community Fitness Initiative Faces Regulatory Hurdle**
Power Beach, a volunteer-driven project aimed at establishing an outdoor fitness area on Limassol’s Dassoudi beach, is currently facing regulatory challenges after local authorities indicated that any installations on state forest land require prior approval. This situation has arisen following the initiative's attempt to install foundations for an entrance sign intended to welcome visitors to the site.
On Tuesday, the forestry department intervened, removing the newly constructed steel and concrete base meant for the sign before it was even erected. This action has sparked calls for improved communication between community groups and public authorities. Glafkos Kyriakou, a spokesman for the forestry department, explained that the issue at hand is procedural. “They attempted to install gym equipment on state forest land,” he stated. “Any installation requires permission from the forestry department. Only the department’s director can grant such permission. Any application has to be examined, and it is possible that an environmental assessment or other studies may also be required.”
In response to the situation, a senior official at the Amathounta municipality noted that Power Beach had proceeded without the necessary authorization. “It is a group without a permit which installed its own equipment next to the existing public exercise area,” the official remarked. “The land is under the forestry department. The municipality’s official position is that they do not have permission, and we will decide what action needs to be taken before the end of the month.”
Jonathan Glikys, the founder of Power Beach and a resident originally from Toronto, expressed his disappointment over the regulatory setback. He shared his personal journey, stating, “Fitness saved my life. I lost my mother and father, I was a drug addict and I was in prison.” Glikys emphasized that the initiative has received substantial community support, boasting over 800 signatures in favor of the project. He noted that volunteers have dedicated the past 15 months to creating the entrance sign, with the recently removed foundation intended to support this structure.
The forestry department’s decision to dismantle the foundation has left Glikys frustrated, as he claims there was no prior discussion regarding the removal. “The forestry department told us they would come and destroy it. There was no question, no discussion,” he said, adding that he believes he has legal grounds to challenge the decision if necessary.
Despite the challenges, Glikys remains optimistic about the future of Power Beach. He expressed a desire to collaborate with local authorities rather than oppose them. “We want to make Power Beach into a non-profit organization with a free gym, watersports, and collaborations with the municipality,” he stated. “A place that Muscle Beach in California will talk about. I’m not looking to step on anybody’s toes,” he added. “You are the Power, you are the Change.”
The long-term vision for Power Beach is to create “one of the world’s most inspiring outdoor fitness destinations,” promoting healthier lifestyles, volunteerism, and stronger communities through cooperation. As the initiative navigates the regulatory landscape, the founders hope to foster a spirit of collaboration that will benefit both the community and the local authorities.
The situation remains fluid, and both the municipality and the forestry department are expected to review their positions in the coming weeks. The outcome of this initiative could have significant implications for community-led projects in Cyprus, particularly those seeking to utilize public land for recreational purposes.