New fitness stations that will include bench presses, leg presses, elliptical trainers and rowing machines will be built at both of St. Charles Parish’s bridge parks.
Duane Foret, director of Parks and Recreation for the parish, said that the fitness stations will be centrally located at both the East Bank and West Bank bridge parks.
The stations, which are expected to open next month, will be padded by recycled rubber tile surfacing for safety.The project was funded by a $60,000 grant by the United Way of St. Charles.
“Regular exercise is shown to improve physical and mental health,” Foret said. “We are thrilled to partner with United Way of St. Charles to provide new enjoyable options to get everyone in the family moving.”
Both parks will have the same fitness equipment, but Foret said that there will be an additional adult exercise station at the West Bank Bridge Park.
“We had a little more room at the West Bank Bridge Park to build an adult station that will allow push ups and things of that nature,” he said.
Foret said updating the current fitness station on the West Bank, while adding one to the East Bank, has been a goal of the Parks and Recreation Department.
“The timing was right and we were able to work with United Way to make it happen. We all had input on what would serve the community best,” Foret said. “We felt strongly that we needed to have fitness stations on both sides [of the river].”
John Dias, executive director of the United Way of St. Charles, agreed.
“United Way is constantly looking for ways to improve the quality of life in St. Charles Parish,” he said. “Utilizing focus groups of community leaders, health experts and public officials, we recognize the importance of a healthy community and are pleased to offer residents additional access to fun, physical activities.”
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