Neighborhood Associations Unveil Grant-Funded Fitness Equipment in Southeast Park

Bloomington, Ind.–A Neighborhood Improvement Grant awarded to the Arden Place and Sycamore Knolls Neighborhood Associations in April 2022 has been used to install all-ages, outdoor fitness equipment in Southeast Park, 1600 Sycamore Ct.

The fitness equipment was officially unveiled at an event at Southeast Park on Aug. 26. The equipment is free to use, and is available for use during park hours of 5 a.m. until 11 p.m. daily.

The $9,000 grant purchased a trio of step-up benches and horizontal bars, chest press and lat pulldown machine, and a ski runner. The step-up benches and horizontal bars were installed at varying heights to provide more accessibility and variability of use.

Early in the COVID-19 pandemic, Arden Place and surrounding neighborhood associations recognized the importance of outdoor recreation and community. This recognition pushed them to apply for funds to upgrade their existing neighborhood park.

Supply chain issues resulted in the installation of the fitness equipment being pushed into 2023, with completion of the project in August.

The neighborhood associations worked with Parks and Recreation to select the equipment and color scheme. The equipment was selected for its accessibility for all ages and ability levels, as well as for its universal design that allows for a variety of movements.

Shelby Drake, Health and Wellness Coordinator for Parks and Recreation, said, "The fitness equipment is a welcome addition to this lovely neighborhood park. We appreciate the efforts of the Arden Place Neighborhood Association to apply for the grant, and to see this project to fruition."

Cynthia Ramlo, representative of Arden Place Neighborhood Association, said, "This project was conceived during the COVID-19 pandemic out of a desire to provide increased access to outdoor fitness for many ages and fitness levels. The project was designed to encourage behaviors that improve health for myself and my neighbors. We are so grateful to have this facility situated in beautiful Southeast Park and hope that it will play a role in improving the public health of our city!”

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