By Joe Bachman

The city has endorsed a community fitness park that may end up at Demitz Park.

A presentation by John Egge, Katrina Hittner, and Stephen Hittner, of Family Natural Foods in Wisconsin Rapids, on an outdoor gym and recreation area was given at the Parks and Recreation meeting Wednesday night. The outdoor workout park would be for fitness enthusiasts and novices to take part in outdoor fitness.

“It’s a place for individuals — adults, primarily, to come and have an outlet for fitness,” said Stephen Hittner. “Specifically, this will help for public health.”

The estimated cost of the course would be approximately $12,000, a figure taken from a similar course in Eau Claire. However, cost aside, Wisconsin Rapids is ready. According to a 2012 Incourage community survey, residents valued outdoor recreation as an important quality of life. A 2013-2018 Wood County Health Plan even emphasizes a priority on increasing opportunities to be physically active.

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“We feel like there’s a lot of great opportunities here, and it’s free — anybody can use this park.” said Katrina Hittner.

The workout stations would include pull-up bars, monkey bars, dip stations, push-up stations, iso squats, and plyo step stations — free for public use. There is also the potential for workshops and fitness courses to promote health and wellness in the community.

The fitness stations would be included in the riverfront project at Demitz Park, which will see construction in 2017. There are potential donors, and fundraising options that were discussed to help make this fitness park a reality.

“This works across the age spectrum, so it’s really cool,” said Mayor Zach Vruwink. “I think it’s incredibly timely — I’d like to see it happen.”

There will be further discussion held on including the plans for a new fitness park into the riverfront project in future meetings.