City of Lincoln opens world’s first FitBLOCK outdoor gym
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The City of Lincoln on Thursday opened the world’s first FitBLOCK outdoor gym.
The new outdoor fitness pad in Tierra Park features a system of exercise stations designed for both beginning and experienced athletes, including wheelchair users.
The gym is divided into three sections: cardio, strength and a social corner, and can accommodate up to 28 users at one time.
“This brand new, state-of-the-art outdoor fitness structure will enhance our community members’ quality of life and position Lincoln as a national model for our commitment to health and wellness,” Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird said at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
As part of the KOMPAN FitBLOCK pilot program, the equipment was provided to the city of Lincoln at no cost by an anonymous donor and installed by Crouch Recreation and the City of Lincoln.
Joining Gaylor Baird at the ribbon cutting ceremony was Parks and Recreation Director Maggie Stuckey-Ross and Crouch Recreation Owner Eric Crouch.
Stuckey-Ross said Tierra Park is a “hub of community activity” that will serve as the optimal location for the new outdoor fitness facility.
“Wellness is not one-size-fits-all, and this space is designed to meet people wherever they are on their journey,” Stuckey-Ross said. “Today is another important step toward our vision of making Lincoln the quality-of-life capital of the country. I can’t wait to see people of all ages working out here, side by side, building a healthier community together.”
Crouch thanked all partners for their contributions to the project and said this fitness equipment could “change your life.”
“Crouch Recreation is excited to be part of building this fitness site at Tierra Park in Lincoln,” he said. “The FitBLOCK site is going to be a great place to exercise for many years to come. And my favorite part is the fact you can come back over and over and do a completely different workout each time.”
Stuckey-Ross also announced that the Parks and Recreation Department will offer free circuit fitness training classes at the FitBLOCK site from 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday’s, as long as weather allows.
Free fitness training classes are set to being on Sept. 17.
For more information on Lincoln Parks and Recreation programs, visit their website.
