The installation of a new Fitness Zone exercise area at Blue Lakes Park, 4225 SW 92 Ave., was scheduled to be dedicated on Wednesday, Sept. 25, during an event hosted by the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL) Fitness Zone Program, the Health Foundation of South Florida (HFSF) and MetLife Foundation.
The Fitness Zone is comprised of outdoor gym equipment built for teens and adults of all ages. It is free and easy to use.
As part of the Miami-Dade County Parks initiative to improve the health and wellness of residents through parks and recreation, it has installed 12 outdoor gyms at its parks since July 2012. Goulds Park is next in line to receive a TPL branded Fitness Zone. Similar fitness courts are also planned for Gratigny Plateau Park, Tree Island Park and North Trail Park.
The new Fitness Zone area at Blue Lakes Park consists of a cluster of nine fitness stations that will provide park visitors with a cardiovascular and resistance/weight-bearing workout. There is a “Leg Press,” a “Cross Country Ski,” a “Pendulum Abs,” a sit-ups bench, and an elliptical trainer. Additional items include a “Chest Press,” a “Lat Pull Down,” a “Vertical Press,” and two horizontal bars with a hand-cycle.
There also are ADA accessible versions of the exercise equipment designed for people in wheelchairs. The entire site is ADA accessible and receives shade from a large canopy of trees.
“Park amenities such as these make our community a great place to live and play,” said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.
“We are grateful to our Parks Department and our public-private partnerships that have provided more healthy lifestyle opportunities and increased use of our parks,” he added.
“The Trust for Public Land’s Fitness Zone program puts free outdoor gyms in neighborhood parks where they are needed most,” said Brenda McClymonds, The Trust for Public Land’s Miami-Dade program director.
“The equipment is appropriate for teens and adults of all levels of fitness, and the Blue Lakes Park Fitness Zone promotes a healthy lifestyle for people of all abilities. And most importantly, Fitness Zones are a fun way to exercise,” she concluded.
“This is a great way for neighbors to socialize and get a fantastic workout,” Miami-Dade Commissioner Javier Souto said. “And parents can watch their children play nearby while they exercise. I encourage area teenagers, adults and seniors to use this free outdoor gym often as part of their everyday fitness routine.”
Miami-Dade County Parks director Jack Kardys stressed the importance of regular exercise to maintaining good health. “These new fitness stations are designed to help people get the exercise that they need and will encourage them to get outdoors and stay active.”
The cost for the new Fitness Zone at Blue Lakes Park totaled $93,750. Funding was provided by TPL in partnership with HFSF and MetLife Foundation, the result of a flourishing partnership with and forged by Miami-Dade Parks. Additional funding was provided by impact fees.
The six-acre park also has two fullsize tennis courts, a covered shelter with restrooms, one softball field, two basketball courts, a lighted walking path, a children’s playground, and a parking area.
For directions and information about the facilities at Blue Lakes Park visit <www.miamidade.gov> or call 305-596-9324 (Kendall Indian Hammocks Park).
For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit <www.miamidade.gov/parks/>.
