Tri-Cities opens first outdoor fitness center

RICHLAND. Wa. – In a major step toward promoting community wellness, the city of Richland partnered with the National Fitness Campaign to bring residents an exercise court, providing a unique and accessible exercise experience for all ages.

City Officials and other community members gathered at Howard Amon Park to unveil the first outdoor fitness court in the Tri-Cities, making it the fifth in Washington.

John Amundson, who serves as the Richland city manager told KEPR News, “It’s a National Fitness Campaign grant of thirty thousand dollars and then three hundred and five thousand dollars from the Lodging Tax Committee. And that revenue is when someone stays overnight at a local hotel. There is a tax that is then used to promote tourism in the area.”

The fitness court took approximately 1.5 years to complete. This system allows users to leverage their body weight to get a complete workout using seven stations and is designed for ages 14 and older.

Leaders add that this new exercise equipment is part of a broader initiative to combat the obesity epidemic and encourage outdoor physical activity.

“Come, take advantage of this wonderful weather, this wonderful community, enjoy this opportunity to participate in fitness at whatever level you’re at, and just be here, be outside and enjoy,” said Richland Mayor Theresa Richardson.

On the other hand, the implementation of this fitness court couldn’t come at a better time for some athletes.

Stan Johnson, a local community member said, “I participate in Spartan races, which are obstacle courses, and a lot of the exercises that are on this particular sports track is something we do…. So now I have a place where I can do this just a few minutes from my office as well. And it’s, it’s all in one place. So it makes it very easy for me. To complete the workouts that I need to get ready for my races.”

The Fitness Court is connected to ‘The Fitness Court’ app downloadable on any phone. It offers free guided workouts and fitness challenges to enhance the user experience.