Morning Journal/Mary Ann Greier Members of the Salem Community Foundation, Salem Parks Commission and Salem Parks Director Shane Franks surround one of seven pieces of equipment installed for an outdoor fitness zone at Waterworth Memorial Park off of Sunset near the childrens’ playground. The fitness zone is expected to open soon. Pictured from left are SCF Grant Coordinator Melissa Costa, George W.S. Hays, SCF Donor Relations Coordinator Brittany Zamarelli, Dr. Karl Getzinger, Gary Moffett, Mark Equizi, Salem Parks Director Shane Franks, Parks Commission Chairman John Panezott, Geoff Goll, Parks Commission Vice Chairman Lucille Karnofel, Steve Bailey and Parks Commission member Lori Colian.
SALEM — Salem Parks and Recreation found a fitting use for funds set aside for Waterworth Memorial Park, installing an outdoor fitness zone for full-body workouts.
“The equipment is well put together. What’s so nice is everything uses your own body weight,” Salem Parks Commission Chairman John Panezott said.
The seven pieces of equipment can accommodate up to 17 people at once, although that won’t be permitted at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions. The zone is expected to open soon as the parks department completes work on the entryway.
The machines include: four-person lower body combo; two-person cross country ski; two-person back and arm combo; three-person static combo (sit-up, pull-up, dip station); two-person lat pull-down and vertical press combo; four-person leg press and single rowing machine.
Panezott said the equipment can be used for body building or cardiovascular exercise. A lot of people walk or run in the park and they’ll be able to stop at the outdoor fitness zone for strength training. He said it’s a complete workout.
“I think this adult fitness zone will be a great addition to the Salem parks system. I want to thank the Salem Community Foundation, and in particular, the Ralph J. Smith Memorial Fund for providing the funding to make this possible. I encourage everyone who comes to use this equipment to follow the rules and guidelines that are clearly posted,” Parks Director Shane Franks said.
He noted that the equipment is for adults to use. No one under 14 will be permitted on the equipment and he said he’s hoping parents will respect this rule and help keep the children under 14 off the equipment. The rule will be strongly enforced, he said.
Users are asked to read all posted signs and instructions before using the equipment for the first time.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, no more than one person at a time should be using each of the seven pieces of equipment. Users should bring and use their own hand sanitizer before and after using a piece of equipment. Social distancing of 6 feet should be followed unless members of the same household.
No gathering or loitering will be allowed in the area and users should bring their own water bottles and towels. The equipment can get hot in the sun.
Franks said the hope is to add a shade covering and benches next year. Landscaping should be finished by the end of the month.
“Awarding this grant was a fantastic way to kick-off 2020!” Salem Community Foundation Grant Coordinator Melissa J. Costa said in a press release. “Salem Community Foundation awarded $41,000 to Salem Parks and Recreation during the January grant cycle. These funds were part of the Ralph J. Smith Memorial Fund, which offers financial support to qualifying projects in Waterworth Memorial Park.”
“Our board of directors has seen numerous requests for financial assistance come through the past couple of years, indicating new and significant projects taking place in our community. The fitness circuit grant, actively promoting health and wellness, included purchases from Greenfields Outdoor Fitness Equipment, AdventureTurf, and locally owned Chappell and Zimmerman Concrete,” she said.
Costa offered “an extra special thank you to Parks Foreman Jim Grimm and his crew for their expertise in assembling and positioning the fitness equipment. The parks employees are also responsible for the landscaping design beautifying the location.”?The SCF board of directors and staff administer grants to 501(c)3 organizations through a collection of 125 charitable funds which honor the donor’s intentions and positively impact the Salem area.
Since 1966, SCF has been committed to supporting a broad range of areas including arts and humanities, health and human services, public and community services, and education.
mgreier@salemnews.net