Building healthy communities: do outdoor fitness parks make a difference?
By Communities ChooseWell, Alberta Recreation and Parks Association
Have you ever looked longingly out the gym window on a sunny day and wondered why you are cycling on a stationary bike indoors? You are not alone. Within the last decade, outdoor fitness parks have swept across Alberta, housed in municipalities like St. Albert, Camrose, Red Deer, Lethbridge, Vegreville and more. Outdoor fitness parks, outdoor gyms, or active parks are spaces designed to allow the general public free access to fitness equipment in an outdoor setting, enhancing physical activity and the health of local residents. We are taking a closer look at outdoor fitness parks to celebrate June as Recreation and Parks month.
There are many benefits to outdoor fitness parks. A study undertaken by the University of Lethbridge in 2017 reported Lethbridge residents felt the fitness parks “improve health, increase physical activity, and enhance a sense of community in their neighbourhood. Many also appreciated that it was freely accessible” (Copeland, Currie, & Walker, 2017). Accessibility is key. Outdoor fitness parks remove financial, physical, and social barriers to exercise. Individuals in this study noted the convenience of watching their child while using the equipment and that having the equipment available for free meant they were able to afford to participate (Copeland, Currie, & Walker, 2017). As well, many parks are built with equipment designed for all ages and abilities, increasing the number of participants able to take advantage of the health benefits of outdoor fitness parks.
Outdoor fitness parks do, however, present some challenges. Alberta winters can last more than half the year in some areas of the province, making it difficult to encourage the use of outdoor equipment during these months. To address this, equipment may be closely monitored or decommissioned over the winter to reduce wear and tear on the machines and avoid injuries due to ice coverage (Frank Cowan Company, n.d.). As well, Copeland et al. (2017) identified that Lethbridge residents did not recognise the structures as fitness equipment because they did not resemble the look of indoor gym equipment. They concluded that the benefits of creating an outdoor fitness park may be increased by pairing the park with free programs to educate residents on the park’s function and encourage the safe use of equipment (Copeland, Currie, & Walker, 2017). Marketing, ongoing maintenance, and a supportive environment were also cited as important to the frequency of use of the parks (Copeland, Currie, & Walker, 2017).
While there may be some risks associated with outdoor fitness parks, the safe use of these parks as a tool to mediate the health risks associated with obesity is still recommended (Frank Cowan Company, n.d). Now that you have the facts, consider how an inclusive outdoor fitness park could support the health and well-being of all members of your community. Hop off that indoor stationary bike and start planning an outdoor fitness park today! Here’s a good starting point: How to Build an Outdoor Fitness Park
References:
- Outdoor fitness equipment in public parks: Is it an effective physical activity intervention?
- Risk management considerations for an outdoor gym.
