Power Beach, a volunteer-led initiative that seeks to create an outdoor fitness area on Limassol’s Dassoudi beach has run into regulatory hurdles after authorities said on Tuesday that installations on state forest land require prior approval.

The dispute centres on the installation of foundations for a planned entrance sign welcoming visitors to the site.

According to the initiative, forestry department officials removed the newly constructed steel and concrete base before the sign itself was even erected, prompting calls for greater dialogue between public authorities and community groups.

Forestry department spokesman Glafkos Kyriakou told the Cyprus Mail that the issue was procedural.

“They attempted to install gym equipment on state forest land,” he said. “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.”

A senior official at Amathounta municipality said the group had proceeded without authorisation.

“It is a group without a permit which installed its own equipment next to the existing public exercise area,” the official said. “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.”

Power Beach founder Jonathan Glikys, originally from Toronto, said the initiative had grown organically through volunteer work and community support.

“Fitness saved my life,” he said. “I lost my mother and father, I was a drug addict and I was in prison.”

Glikys said the group had previously operated a gym on the beach during the Covid-19 pandemic before being asked to remove it after restrictions ended.

“We are not just building a park – the people are with us, we have over 800 signatures,” he said.

According to Glikys, volunteers have spent the past 15 months making the entrance sign, with the recently removed foundation intended to support the structure.

“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 setback, Glikys said the group’s aim was to work with, rather than against, the authorities.

“We want to make Power Beach into a non-profit organisation with a free gym, watersports and collaborations with the municipality,” he said. “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 initiative said its long-term vision is to create “one of the world’s most inspiring outdoor fitness destinations” while promoting healthier lifestyles, volunteerism and stronger communities through cooperation.