Healthy aging starts with taking care of oneself, hence why the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging partnered with Sedgwick County Park to give community members a free way to stay strong and active.
“People can’t afford a [gym] membership! If I can come to the park, and I can work out at my own pace, at my own time, and do my own thing — I’ll do it more often, I will… And with you having the app… where it’ll explain to me how to do [the exercises], I can actually just come here, whenever I want to — in whatever weather I want — and just enjoy!”
– Pam Burrows, Community Member
Community members are thrilled about their new, free outdoor gym at Sedgwick County Park. As Pam mentioned, having fitness equipment in a public space makes health and wellness more attainable by eliminating barriers commonly found in traditional gyms, such as cost and intimidation.The intuitive design, instructions on each unit, and the free Greenfields app with demonstration videos makes figuring out how to use the equipment simple for even those new to fitness.
This gym was a collaboration between Kansas’ Sedgwick County and the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging. Designed with older adults in mind, the workout space features units from Greenfields’ Low-Impact series. Many of the units accommodate multiple users at one time, making working out more social, and therefore more enticing for users to continue working out. Some of the units even accommodate wheelchairs without requiring the user to transfer from their chair, promoting inclusive exercise.
“Keeping our shoulders strong in particular is important. Especially if you fall, you’re going to have some strength to catch yourself.”
– Pam Burrows, Community Member
Still, this gym isn’t just a destination for older adults — it brings together people of all ages, helping Sedgwick County Park better serve populations that are often overlooked in park designs. And to make it even better, all of the equipment is durable, allowing it to be used in any weather condition.