What are some good things that have come out of 2020? For one thing, I think most of us spent more time outside in nature. It’s well documented that time outdoors is great for our mental and emotional health, but in the park and recreation field, we want to make sure that time outdoors enhances physical health, as well. Some groups, such as children playing on playgrounds and athletes using sports fields — will naturally engage in physical activity in parks. Others, unfortunately, such as parents, older adults and people with disabilities, often become mere bystanders. Though some members of these groups may be athletes, many often visit parks only as spectators and don’t engage in physical activity themselves. How can we change that?

Outdoor gyms are unique in their ability to promote activity in parks in such a way that appeals to a wide variety of demographics. What do they hold for the often-passive park visitors, and how can we design them to get the highest return on our investment on the space?

Consider a park in your area that you’d like to see more heavily used. Who makes up the local community, and who are the ones who pass by the park regularly? Are they parents dropping their kids off at the school next door? Individuals in wheelchairs from a rehab facility down the street? Neighborhood teens? Older adults from an adjacent senior center? In some cases, you might see all those demographics. Therefore, it’s important to find exercise equipment that meets the needs of each.

Parents

Moms and dads have a multitude of demands on their time. When they take children to school and stop by the park with younger siblings, having fitness equipment next to the playground is a great way for them to both watch the children play and engage in physical activity themselves. Units with adjustable resistance are perfect for this. Look for machines with bidirectional resistance, which enhance the workout.

Users in wheelchairs 

Individuals with mobility impairments often have challenges finding fitness equipment that meets their needs even in indoor gyms. This is concerning, as those with disabilities are at a greater risk of obesity and related health challenges than the rest of the population. By providing inclusive fitness equipment outdoors, parks can give this at-risk population some great ways to stay healthy and provide a way for them to interact with the rest of the community. On this note, it’s important to not just provide inclusive fitness equipment, but also to make sure the area has accessible surfacing and adequate clearances between units, and that there is an accessible route to the gym from the parking lot.

Teens

Teens love socializing! Many outdoor fitness units are designed to accommodate multiple users at the same time. Functional fitness rigs feature many activities in a small footprint, which encourages social interaction. And an outdoor gym that’s designed as a cluster — rather than single stations along a trail — will allow teens to work out with their friends or even (gasp!) mom and dad.

Older adults

Older adults in particular love exercising outdoors. There are plenty of low-impact outdoor gym units available for this demographic. Resistance-free units are a good idea, as well, as they are designed to increase range of motion and help older adults recover some of their lost agility.

Athletes

These park visitors are often found using sports courts and fields, but they also enjoy the opportunity to participate in strength training at outdoor gyms. There is now a multitude of functional fitness activities available for outdoor use — everything from suspension trainers to kickboxing stations! For even more of a challenge, ninja courses take workouts to advanced levels, and obstacle courses introduce the sort of competitive element found in sports.

Putting it all Together

Many outdoor gyms feature only one or two types of fitness equipment and therefore are limited in their appeal and the value they offer to the community. By using many different types of fitness equipment, you can ensure that all the visitors to your park have something for their needs.

Once you’ve accomplished that, how do you make your gym not just a place to get a bit of exercise, but a true fitness destination?

Shade makes a big difference in the number of hours that an outdoor gym can comfortably be used. For extra credit, incorporate lighting into the shade structure to extend use well into the evening. Benches, trash receptacles and bike racks further enhance the area to provide a complete and well-rounded amenity. Signage can be used to acknowledge donors, list safety guidelines, give a sample workout plan or display tips for healthy lifestyles.

By thoughtfully considering your park visitors and tailoring the outdoor gym to their needs, you can create a fitness destination that will be used and enjoyed by your community for years to come. 

Allison Abel is the director of marketing for Greenfields Outdoor Fitness. She draws from years of experience assisting in project planning and interactions with end users in the field to inform her knowledge base of proven strategies to increase the effectiveness of outdoor gyms. Allison has presented on the topic of outdoor gym design at the NRPA Annual Conference, California Park & Recreation Society Annual Conference, and the Conference on the Value of Play.