Fresh Air Fitness has been a popular attraction since it opened earlier this summer, and gave people an opportunity to exercise outdoors in Woodlawn Regional Park.
The non-profit outdoor fitness organization held its grand opening on Sunday, with demonstrations of its exercise equipment, yoga classes and martial arts programs. People could also participate in an obstacle course walk through the nearby Preddy Trails.
Co-founders Peggy Rohatyn and Debby Knight also explained some of the equipment that will be coming before the end of the year with visitors.
“We’re asking for advice on what people would like to see us add,” said Knight.
The Estevan Girl Guides held a fundraising barbecue as well.
Rohatyn and Knight first introduced the idea of Fresh Air Fitness with the public last year. Since then, they have worked hard to bring their dream to reality. They were understandably excited when Fresh Air Fitness opened to the public in the early summer, and when the grand opening happened on Sunday.
Fresh Air Fitness is located between Cossette Park and the Woodlawn Athletic Park’s Dana Quewezance Memorial Field.
“It’s been busy,” said Rohatyn. “We had a group of people that are new to town … and they were super excited about it. They used it, and one of them says he comes down here every day.”
When Rohatyn and Knight are at the site, they usually see two or three people, but they have received reports of more people being down there.
Knight noted the Estevan Mermaids synchronized swim club has been at the site on multiple occasions to train for the upcoming season.
Battle ropes, rings and tires have been popular with users.
“Tires are always popular, because you can flip them, drag them, carry them or toss them,” said Rohatyn. “Once the ropes went up … people have been excited to have them.”
A variety of clients have used the Fresh Air Fitness site. A woman with a heart condition came down and walked the trails recently. Rohatyn wants to see benches added along the trails so that people have a place to rest.
The majority of users have been younger people.
“We do hope that as we get more of the other equipment, that it will attract more people,” said Rohatyn.
The yoga classes on a platform have also been very well attended.
“There’s nothing more beautiful than doing yoga outside,” said Knight.
They knew people would enjoy Fresh Air Fitness’ concept, Knight said, because they would see the value of an outdoor workout.
“They’re pretty active, and they like to do something different,” said Rohatyn. “They might not do a full workout when it’s hot.”
The people have been very happy with the equipment, Rohatyn said. There are kinks that need to be worked out on a couple of the machines.
Many of the devices were designed by Randy Franke at KRJ Custom Fabricating.
“Randy dreamt up these things, so if something goes a little wrong, then he’s going to fix them and he’s going to improve on them,” Knight said. “Of course there would be a kink here or there to start out with, because there’s no prototype. It’s just what he has manufactured in his mind, and it’s been amazing.”
A leg press, a bench press and what they called a butterfly machine are expected to arrive soon.
“One machine has a place where a wheelchair can back in and do the overhead press, so if you’re in a wheelchair and want to build upper body strength (you can),” said Knight.
A concrete pad will boast equipment that is accessible for people in wheelchairs and with mobility issues. Smaller battle ropes will be acquired for the accessible platform, and Rohatyn and Knight have talked to a physiotherapist about equipment that could be used for rehabilitating an injury.
Some equipment, such as ropes and rings, might have to be stored for the winter months, but other items will remain outside during the winter, which means Fresh Air Fitness could be a year-round facility for those willing to brave harsh winter weather.
“It will be a lot easier to drag those tires on the snow than it is on the ground,” said Knight.
Knight and Rohatyn said they will continue to add to Fresh Air Fitness in the future, and so they haven’t ceased their fundraising efforts. A barbecue will be held at the Southern Plains Co-op on Sept. 12 to purchase benches for the trails, and the Run the Course event at the TS&M Woodlawn Golf Club will be held on Oct. 21.
Supporters will walk or run along the golf course’s cart paths.
“We’ll be adding to this for years to come,” said Knight.
Rohatyn stressed they will also have to provide money to the park for the maintenance of the Fresh Air Fitness grounds, just like the sports teams that use the park’s facilities allocate some of their league fees to park maintenance.
