A seven-station outdoor fitness court that allows users to do quick outdoor workouts is to be built in Naperville’s Frontier Sports Complex in 2022.
The Naperville Park Board allocated $160,000 to build the court, but it will actually cost far less because district officials anticipate finding sponsors and grant money to help cover the expense, said Brad Wilson, director of recreation and facilities for the Naperville Park District.
Naperville is partnering with the National Fitness Campaign, which wants to have 1,000 free fitness courts installed around the country by 2022. Its goal is to create the world’s largest network of outdoor gyms and to have one located within a 10-minute bike ride of every person in America.
The organization will contribute $25,000 toward construction of the Naperville court. Similar financial partnerships are being made with schools, cities and park districts around the country, officials said.
“Health and wellness are big parts of our mission,” Wilson said. “Bringing this would be unique and support our mission and support individuals to do fitness outdoors.”
With seven stations and more than 30 pieces of body-weight equipment, the court will be built on a 38-foot-by-38-foot pad at one end of the Frontier Sports Complex, near the 95th Street Community Plaza parking lot and trail.
The equipment is to be used in a seven-movement, seven-minute workout designed by the campaign to provide a full-body workout for any skill level. A free mobile app is available for use with the workout stations.
Fitness courts have already been built in New Lenox and Hoffman Estates are either under construction or to be built in LaGrange and Oak Lawn. According to National Fitness’ website, nationalfitnesscampaign.com, about 200 courts have been completed so far.
The stations all look the same, Wilson said, but each has one section that can be enhanced with local artwork or signage.
Park board members were not unanimous in their decision to move forward with the project Aug. 12 when it came up for a vote. Commissioners Rich Janor and Josh McBroom voted against it.
“I haven’t heard any kind of a burning desire for this particular amenity,” Janor said.
No fundraising or construction timetable has been established for the facility other than it must be completed by the end of 2000 under the terms of the National Fitness grant.
To watch a video on the organization and how the courts are used for workouts, go to nationalfitnesscampaign.com/watch.
raguerrero@tribpub.com
