The city of Burlington will unveil a new outdoor Fitness Court® with a supporting mobile app, according to a media release from the city of Burlington. This project is a part of a 2020 initiative launched by the National Fitness Campaign (NFC).
The city received a $25,000 grant from NFC to create this project, and there were several recipients throughout the country that received the same donation. Another organization, Impact Alamance also contributed $50,000 to the project.
According to Tony Laws, the director of the Recreation and Parks department for Burlington, the entire cost to build this fitness court was about $125,000 to $150,000. However, the city of Burlington was able to cut some costs by building the park themselves and simply receiving the equipment pieces from NFC to do so.
NFC's grant and Impact Alamance's donation helped fund about half the cost of the project, and Laws added that "the city of Burlington funded the rest."
The Fitness Court® at City Park, as described in the media release, is an open-air wellness center where users can leverage their own body weight to get a "complete" workout. The court is designed to accommodate adults of all ages, and therefore adjustable to different fitness levels.
"There's always been some demand for outdoor activities," said Laws, who felt this was caused by many fitness centers closing down during the COVID-19 pandemic. There were single pieces of physical equipment in some parks in the area, but Laws stated that this will allow for more fitness in one area.
The park provides seven core features that assist with the workouts, and they also have descriptions that are written on the wall for each section. "It's a one-in-all type facility that you can get a really good workout," Laws added. The new fitness court was also provided with a 25-year warranty.
The corresponding "Fitness Court" app, which is available for iOS and Android devices, allows users to view the fitness court as a "digitally supported wellness ecosystem," states the media release. The release also adds that the app will serve as a "coach-in-your-pocket style platform."
The park is currently in use with 24/7 availability, however, the lighting in the park corresponds with the nearby walking track. According to Laws, the outdoor walking track is lit up for the majority of the day, but the lights shut off from 1 am until 5 am.
The community will have a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, August 10 at 9:30 am. At this event, residents will be able to try out the Fitness Court®, and gain information on upcoming health and wellness events for the community.
The address for the Fitness Court® is 273 E Kitchin St.
