Two years ago, I blogged about an exciting trend in which municipalities are building public, outdoor fitness parks. They contain equipment designed to provide a workout for a wide range of abilities and age groups–except for kids.

The June 2023 issue of AARP Bulletin shared an update on this trend; AARP has been a key partner in providing grant money for these facilities. In 2019, AARP committed to build fitness parks in every state together with the organization FitLot. Currently there are 53 parks–with one in each state as will as the US Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico; in most communities classes and orientations are held at the parks.

This is very good news, but when I checked the nearest park to my home is an over 3-hour drive away. That means there is still a need for these kinds of facilities in much greater numbers. Contact FitLot and/or AARP to find out what it would take to get one in our community. In the meantime, there are more fitness parks that are not a part of this program. Check with your local municipality about availability where you live.

Keeping older adults active is key to remaining healthier and more independent. Fitness parks are another resource to help us all reach that goal.