The City of Sacramento, in partnership with AARP and FitLot Outdoor Fitness Parks, today opened a new outdoor fitness space at the Oak Park Community Center.
The new fitness park contains 11 independent exercise machines on a rubberized surface with a shade canopy and is built near a playground. AARP teamed with FitLot, a national nonprofit, to build 53 of these fitness parks across the country, with Sacramento as the California location. The fitness park will be managed by the City’s Youth, Parks & Community Enrichment (YPCE) Department.
“This is a great addition to Oak Park as it’s important to stay active in a safe environment,” said Vice Mayor Jay Schenirer, who represents the district. “We’re excited that AARP and FitLot provided this space for residents to workout outside.”
“The location near the playground means parents and grandparents can watch their kids play,” said Youth, Parks and Community Enrichment Director Mario Lara. “It’s a great family addition to the community.”
The fitness park is funded by an AARP grant that also includes programming for three years, providing classes to the community at no cost. The fitness park is open to the public during regular hours except during programmed classes.
“AARP is strongly committed to promoting health and wellness in local communities for people of all ages and abilities,” said AARP’s State Director Nancy McPherson. “We’re thrilled to have an AARP Sponsored Outdoor Fitness Park Organized by FitLot here in California that can give older residents of Oak Park and Sacramento a new space to play and stay healthy.”
Free classes led by certified fitness instructors will be available later this fall. Classes will include low impact offerings and walking groups. Information and upcoming class schedules can be found online on the City’s website or by calling 916-808-6151.
For background on AARP’s initiative: https://fitlot.org/aarp
The fitness park is currently open to the public.