Shakespeare Park in downtown Stratford is getting a boost after city council approved the purchase and installation of new fitness equipment at their Monday meeting.
Tim Wolfe, director of community services, said the static equipment will help facilitate progressive training by allowing users to do more of the exercises at various intensity levels and will have benefits for a wide range of people.
“This type of equipment meets the needs of both amateur athletes and people wanting to get back into shape,” he said. “You can perform a variety of exercises and solicit several muscle groups with the same piece of equipment. It also allows for several types of training such as circuit training, strength training, suspension (TRX) training, calisthenics, crossfit, parkour and more. You can use this for group training as well, which is fun and increases the motivation of users.”
One of the concerns that was brought up at council was if the installation of the equipment would do any damage to the trees or tree canopy in the park. Wolfe said that was all taken into consideration when the project was planned.
“The adult outdoor equipment placement within the park took into consideration the trees which provide huge shade benefits to this particular park,” he stated. “The area that was agreed on for the installation will have minimal root damage, which will not affect the health of the trees.”
The equipment and installation came in at a cost of $118,761, and Wolfe expects the gear to be in place after Labour Day weekend.
