Town Of Dedham: Livable Dedham And Parks & Rec Commission Partnership Brings Fitness Park To Gonzalez Field

Press release from the Town of Dedham:

07/15/2021 3:00 PM

After a two-year long endeavor, Livable Dedham and the Parks and Recreation Commission secured funding from donors including AARP, Beth Israel Lahey Health, and private donors to procure four new fitness machines. The fitness area is expected to be ready for public use by late summer 2021.

“Gonzalez Field is the perfect location for this project because it is centrally located within the community, is walking distance from the Square and the new Town Hall/Senior Center and is frequently used by residents from all over Dedham”, said Parks and Recreation Commission member Jon Briggs.

The four fitness machines, manufactured by ExoFit Outdoor Fitness, were specifically selected for use by older adults but are designed to work for people of all ages and fitness levels. One machine to improve arm and leg strength is accessible for persons who use a wheelchair. 

“This has been a dream partnership because we all worked efficiently together to fundraise, find the best location for the fitness equipment, and to select the machines that would encourage Dedham’s older adults to get outside and focus on their health,” said Livable Dedham Co-Founder Diane Barry Preston. “Our Senior Center hosts a senior walking club at this field, so it really is a perfect match.”

Local outdoor fitness parks are becoming popular around the country and were recently featured in the May 2021 AARP Bulletin. In 2019 as part of their 60th Anniversary Celebration, AARP set a goal to provide funding for outdoor fitness parks in all 50 states, and by the end of September 2021 they will meet their goal, with Dedham proudly on the list.

The remaining work on the fitness park includes paving, installing signage, and final adjustments to the equipment. With the goal of opening at the end of the summer, Livable Dedham and the Parks and Recreation Commission will provide updates about this project on the Town website and social media accounts. Visit www.dedham-ma.gov/subscribe to sign up for “Outdoor Fitness Park” updates and follow the Town of Dedham on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @DedhamThrives.

About the Parks & Recreation Commission

The Dedham Parks & Recreation Commission is an elected board made up of five members who work together to promote physical education, play, recreation, sport, and other programs for people of all ages. To learn more about the Commission, please visit the Town website at https://www.dedham-ma.gov/government/parks-recreation-commission.

About Livable Dedham

Livable Dedham is an advocacy group formed in 2015 to encourage creative thinking and action in developing an “age friendly” community for all residents and seeks improvements for all generations. To learn more about Livable Dedham, please visit their website at www.livablededham.org.

Manufacturer Photos of the Selected Equipment (click on each image to enlarge):

This press release was produced by the Town of Dedham. The views expressed here are the author’s own.