Fitness buffs may be pleased to hear that Town of Ponoka planners have ordered the pieces for an outdoor fitness park and construction is set to start right away.
Space has been cleared and equipment has arrived for the new Ponoka Fitness Park to be located near the Scout Hall.
Last year town councillors and administration outlined recreation priorities for residents and building this fitness park was one of them, explained Wes Amendt, director of community services. “It is part of our playground development plan.”
He said the town hired the services of The Playground Guys, a company in Olds, specializing in playground and outdoor fitness equipment.
A total of $20,000 for equipment and installation comprise the cost for the outdoor fitness package and Amendt said the town is using extra rubber compound mats for the flooring of the outdoor gym.
Recently the town installed rubber compound sidewalks near the old hospital and there was enough remaining to use on this new park.
There are seven units that target different muscles in the body:
• A Sit-up Bench for abs.
• A Pilates Flexor for abs.
• Press-Pull Hercules unit for chest and back work.
• Air Walker for legs and glutes.
• Rowing Trainer for back exercises.
• Quad Leg Press for arms and back work.
• Elliptical Trainer for legs and shoulder training.
Amendt is excited to complete the project and believes the landscaping and other work will be completed in the spring. Town planners had decided on the company in the early spring but Amendt says there was a 10 to 12 week deliver delivery time once ordered, which is why the equipment was not delivered sooner.
He looks forward to seeing its completion. “It’s one of those things that I can check off the list that people are asking for.”
This equipment is designed to be out in the elements, added Amendt. He says the materials are similar to that of a playground and are meant to be outside 365 days a year.
Equipment was chosen to suit the needs of residents and Amendt says people of all ages can access the fitness park. Installation is set for the week of Sept. 8 and Amendt hopes construction will be complete by mid to late September.