The city on Wednesday unveiled a new fitness court for public use along the Hockhocking-Adena Bikeway near the Stimson Avenue Bridge.
Last year, the City of Athens partnered with the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) to build a new public fitness court.
With current plans in place to build a new headquarters for the Athens Fire Department (AFD), funding was combined for both builds, and thanks to a $35,000 grant from NFC, the $185,000 project cost was reduced to $150,000.
The athletic equipment was received from NFC at the end of 2023 and stored until the concrete pad could be poured and cured.
Contractors from Pepper Construction worked out the timing so that the fire station and fitness court construction could occur at the same time. From there, the court equipment was installed by an NFC-approved contractor in just one week.
The court is equipped with professional gym equipment, arranged in a grid of stations, and is open to the public all year round.
According to a city council press release, the fitness court will have seven stations for adults aged 14 and over of all fitness levels.
Users can also download the free Fitness Court app to turn their outdoor gym into a digital experience.
Service Safety Director Andy Stone said the fitness court is a dual-use facility. Stone explained that due to the court’s proximity to the fire station and being included in the fire department’s project budget, it will serve as an exercise space for the general public and AFD.
“This fire station is close enough to the police department that those on duty can go out and use this fire station during their shifts and have access to fire apparatus to respond to calls immediately,” Stone said.
In that same “dual use” sense, the newly constructed boat dock attached to the fire station is for both AFD and citizens.
When the Hocking River floods, AFD launches boats quickly from the station, and the public can paddle kayaks when river levels remain stable.
Stone hopes the addition will make residents feel like it’s their fire station, just as they approved the levy needed to make the project happen.
Members of the City Council, AFD and the Athens Police Department (APD) came together Wednesday morning for a ceremonial ribbon cutting and court test run.
In “Battle of the Badges”, Athens County Fire Chief Robert Reimer went head-to-head with Athens Police Department Lt. Joseph McGrew in a series of court-prepared athletic contests. McGrew was victorious.
At the start of the ceremony, Athens City Council Chairman Sam Crowl spoke, thanking NFC, APD, AFD and city council members for their efforts in making the project a reality.
“This fitness court is a great example of the public and private sectors working together to break down barriers to access to community programs,” Crowl said. “We encourage the community to use this fitness court as part of their daily wellness routine.”
ab773723@ohio.edu
