Get Ready to Get Fit: Willow Springs’ New Outdoor Fitness Court
As summer approaches, residents of Willow Springs have a new opportunity to enhance their fitness journey. The village is taking a significant step towards community health by approving a budget of $115,000 for an outdoor fitness court at Lions Park.
This innovative fitness court, designed by the National Fitness Campaign based in San Francisco, is set to be installed by June, as confirmed by Village Administrator Ryan Grace.
What to Expect from the Fitness Court
In his presentation to the village board last fall, Grace highlighted the features of the fitness court. It will offer multiple workout stations, making it accessible and user-friendly. For added convenience, users can download an accompanying app, scan a QR code on-site, and follow guided workouts tailored to their fitness goals. This interactive element makes fitness both accessible and engaging for the community.
To help finance this project, Willow Springs received a generous $60,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois. Grace encourages residents to visit a similar outdoor workout area at Tony and Florence Borse Memorial Community Park in Willowbrook to get a glimpse of what they can expect.
What Makes This Court Special?
The new fitness court will cover an area of 45 feet by 45 feet, providing ample space for various exercises. Trustee Rick Mika, who championed the idea, has been dedicated to sourcing effective exercise equipment for the village. After researching outdoor workout setups in neighboring communities like Countryside and Burr Ridge, Mika worked closely with Grace to bring this project to fruition.
Mika, who chairs the Municipal Buildings and Grounds Committee, expresses his enthusiasm for this initiative, emphasizing its role in promoting agility and strength among residents.
According to Mayor Melissa Neddermeyer, the positive feedback from both staff and community members in September played a crucial role in moving forward with the idea.
Public Works Director Keith Grantland is already hard at work coordinating with contractors for the concrete foundation, ensuring everything is in place for a smooth installation.
As noted by National Fitness Campaign, outdoor workouts have become increasingly popular, with 14 million people nationwide benefiting from similar fitness courts over the past six years and an impressive 7.9 billion calories burned.
Conclusion
Willow Springs is poised to become a hub for outdoor fitness, providing residents the tools and space to enhance their physical well-being. The new fitness court at Lions Park is not just an investment in a facility; it’s a commitment to fostering a healthier community. As the installation date approaches, get ready to take advantage of this exciting opportunity to get fit right in your backyard!
