Now, working out in San Antonio’s parks will be even easier for residents hoping to get a health boost.
Fourteen parks and five libraries either have received or are getting outdoor fitness equipment stations. Earlier this week, city officials also launched a new program called “Fitness in the Park,” aimed at increasing physical activity by providing free group exercise in city parks.
“These will be free classes at parks all over the city, done by professional instructors,” said Elizabeth Delgado-Luna, spokeswoman for San Antonio’s Metropolitan Health District.
“We’re providing these classes so people don’t have to join a gym to get this kind of physical training,” Delgado-Luna.
It’s all part of a push by Mayor Julian Castro’s Fitness Council to help residents embrace an active and healthy lifestyle.
“My goal is that we help to usher in a fitness culture in San Antonio, so more folks get out and lead healthy lifestyles but also watch what they eat. And that means adding years to life,” Castro said in a Feb. 6 article in the San Antonio Express-News.
The outdoor fitness equipment and the “Fitness in the Park” are part of the more than 40 projects the city will be rolling out over the next few months as part of its anti-obesity campaign.
The funding for the campaign comes from $15.6 million in federal stimulus money San Antonio received last year.
Outdoor equipment is already in place at Apache Creek Linear Park, 4239 W. Commerce; Cuellar Park, 5626 San Fernando; Garza Park, 1450 Mira Vista; John James Park, 1300 Rittiman Road; and Lockwood Park, 801 N. Olive.
Other parks receiving outdoor fitness equipment by the end of the year include South Side Lions, 3100 Hiawatha; Arnold, 1011 Gillette; Copernicus, 5003 Lord Road; Miller’s Pond, 6175 Pearsall Road; Elmendorf Lake, 3700 W. Commerce; Concepcion, 600 E. Theo; Comanche Lookout, 15551 Nacogdoches; McAllister Park, 13102 Jones Maltsberger; and Lion’s Field Park, 2809 Broadway.
Along with the outdoor equipment, “Fitness in the Park” is an initiative that kicked off this week and is scheduled to run from February through the end of May.
The program will also expose neighborhood residents to a variety of physical activities while encouraging community interaction and social support.
Right now, “Fitness in the Park” classes are scheduled to be held at HemisFair, Woodlawn Lake, McAllister, Panther Springs, Lions Field, Pittman-Sullivan, OP Schnabel and Rosedale parks, as well as the Woodward Center.
Classes and activities include Zumba, yoga, Tai Chi, kickboxing, boot camps and walking /running groups. The date and times vary and can be viewed at www.safitness.org.
The goal of the Mayor’s Fitness Council is to implement “Fitness in the Park” into every City Council district in the near future.
“We’re looking for more instructors to help expand the program to all over the city,” Delgado-Luna said.
Fore more information on “Fitness in the Park” and the city’s anti-obesity campaign, visit www.safitness.org. If you are a fitness instructor who would like to volunteer for the “Fitness in the Park’ program, call Pete Garcia at 207-5378.
Article Credit: http://www.mysanantonio.com/community/southside/news/article/Fitness-equipment-being-installed-at-S-A-parks-1029113.php
