A brand new Fit Park and trail has been installed at Glen Mickle Park, adding to many recreational options already available at the Wallaceburg location.
The project was completed on Tuesday, November 10 on time, and on budget.
The additions include an accessible 500 meter trail which circumnavigates the park beginning at the Edwy Street entrance. It loops around the North side of the park, links up to the Sydenham Residence property, goes around the lacrosse court, returns through the pavilion and links up near the skate pad.
Completed in late October, the trail was cooperatively designed by members of the Chatham-Kent Trails and Wallaceburg Trails Committees, Jeff Bray, Katheryn Kielstra of C-K Parks and Horticulture and Jane McGee, Supervisor of Parks and Recreation.
The contract to build the trail was awarded to Mill Excavating and cost approximately $22,500.
It is made from packed stone screenings and is designed to be fully accessible.
Also part of the Fit Park, was the installation of nine 9 pieces of outdoor fitness equipment.
Addition of the work out apparatus is part of the general active living initiative was spearheaded by the Chatham-Kent Public Health Unit, which funded the $25,000 facility.
Speaking about the outdoor equipment, McGee said that the “bearings and things like that have been designed for longevity. The units have been powder coated, so through regular wear and tear, I suspect that they’ll be there… I would hope ten years.”
The municipality, once it has established a physical asset regularly puts some money aside to maintain and replace the asset at the end of its life span.
Called “life cycle” funds, the Chatham-Kent Health Unit has already contributed money to maintain these all-weather workout machines.
The “fit-equipment” was purchased from Active Playground Equipment and cost $25,000.
“Personally, I think it adds great value,” said McGee. “Everyone can use this equipment. There are some pieces that can be used by those in a wheelchair. We are trying to accommodate everyone’s interests in the community and hopefully with the various pieces of equipment we will be able to satisfy those who want to participate in a healthy, active lifestyle.”
Glen Mickle Park already offers a variety of athletic facilities and with the new additions is set to become a popular attraction. McGee said.
“The fit equipment and the trail, coupled with the skate pad, the lacrosse practice courts, the ball diamond, the use of the soccer pitch by both soccer and field lacrosse, makes that a pretty dynamic location.”
Coun. Jeff Wesley, who pushed the idea for over a year said he is thankful Chatham-Kent saw it through.
It is “an excellent project for not only the neighbourhood but also the community,” he said.
Wesley added he encourages everyone to stop by and explore it.
Here are some photos of the new additions:
– Story by Wesley McDonald
– Photos by Aaron Hall
This must be another one of Wallaceburg’s “best kept secrets” I had no idea It was coming…but now that it is here, it’s a great addition. I plan to use it.
I am so excited about the addition of the ‘Fit Park’!
I was hoping Wallaceburg would get one!
Well done!
What a great addition to our community!