Outdoor Exercise Equipment Now at Weed Beach

Editor's note: The Darien YMCA submitted this announcement:

A new state-of-the-art outdoor walking trail with exercise stations has just been created at .

The circuit will consist of seven stations featuring a range of equipment from an outdoor cardio stepper to a squat press machine. The stations are designed to target all of the major muscle groups.

First Selectman, Jayme Stevenson; Director of Parks and Recreation, Susan Swiatek; and Executive Director, Pat Morrissey were on hand Friday to unveil the newly installed outdoor exercise equipment at Weed Beach.

“At the YMCA, we believe that the solution to solving the nation’s lifestyle health crisis begins with prevention on the local level,” Morrissey said.

“In these tough economic times, it makes so much sense for community organizations and local governments to work together," she said. "Having outdoor equipment stationed on this new trail will provide our community with a perfect opportunity to improve health and wellness while increasing the value of our town’s beautiful beach.”

Eighteen months ago, the Darien YMCA brought together key community leaders, including State Representative Terrie Wood and State Senator Bob Duff to create the Pioneering Healthier Communities committee. The committee’s objective was to identify opportunities to increase a healthy active lifestyle in Darien.

As a result of the Pioneering Healthier Communities work, the Y and the collaborated on aspects of the Weed Beach renovations, specifically to bring a running/walking trail to the beach.  The running trail will be just over one-half a mile long and will utilize some of the natural walking paths that already exist. 

Bought with a grant

The outdoor fitness equipment was purchased by the Y with a $40,000 grant received from the Robert Wood John Foundation. 

As a nonprofit committed to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, the Darien Y believes obesity and chronic diseases can be effectively addressed on a local level with a commitment to programs and initiatives that give people the support they need to sustain healthier lifestyles.

In fact, Y's nationwide are working to ensure that all of the places where people live, work, learn and play provide opportunities for healthy living.

As governments at all levels are facing difficult budget decisions, one way to lessen the costs that are crippling our health care system is by reducing obesity and preventing chronic diseases, according to the Darien Y.  

“We all have a role to play," Morrissey said, "and it is critical to build environments in support of healthy eating and physical activity that helps keep chronic diseases and obesity at bay.”