With the goal of expanding “free access to high-quality workouts and create equitable access to exercise,” Grand Rapids Officials and Priority Health cut the ribbon Thursday on an outdoor exercise court.
The new Fitness Court at Ottawa Hills Park, is an open-air wellness center that allows users to leverage their own body weight to get a complete workout. Officials say the “outdoor gym” is for adults of any age and any fitness level.
And officials say, it’s easy to learn how to navigate, provided one has smart phone or tablet. According to Priority Health, users can download a Fitness Court Application that provides a digital personal trainer and instructions on how to use the equipment.
Mel Christiansen is Priority Health’s Senior Community Relations Specialist. She says the company is being intentional of where the outdoor fitness courts are being set up across the state, specifically in areas where access to quality exercise equipment is scarce.
“One hundred percent, we definitely want to hit those communities,” Christiansen said. “Everyone has a right to a healthy life,” she said.
The City of Grand Rapids said in a release that its home to the first outdoor fitness court in a series of at least 18 Priority Health Fitness Courts being constructed across the state of Michigan. There is no cost and is free to use.
The new Fitness Court sits at Ottawa Hills Park, 2060 Oakfield Ave in Grand Rapids.
