(Batesville, IN) – Batesville City Council on Monday night approved a $15,000 Belterra Funds request from the Parks Department for an outdoor adult fitness area at Liberty Park.
The exercise area would be located on concrete near the playground around the Batesville Tool & Die Shelter, the GaGa Pit, and the Pavilion, so that adults supervising their children at the playground can use the exercise equipment while their children play.
The site would be located near parking and could be accessed by the city’s trails.
Parks Commissioner Mike Baumer says the trail system has grown since it was started in 2010, and is heavily used by all ages. He says the exercise area would add to residents’ opportunities to get and stay healthy.
A similar exercise area was recently installed in Greensburg.
Park Board president Lisa Gausman, who has spearheaded the project for the past year, says those who use the equipment could do so individually, with a workout partner, or in a group setting.
She says young parents could also set up play dates and use the equipment while their kids are on the playground.
In addition, Gausman says it would be wheelchair accessible.
Baumer says he has received a $5,000 donation from the Ripley County Community Foundation for the multi-phase project, and hopes to secure additional grants.
After a brief discussion, council voted in favor of the request.
