Creswell senior citizens may soon have another way to exercise while enjoying the outdoors.
Creswell city council this week approved a request to use of SDCs to fund an outdoor exercise park at the city-owned Cobalt Activity Center, located at 364 Cobalt Lane.
The idea to acquire such equipment for the building was initially spurred by American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), which sought grant proposals earlier this year.
The city council gave consent to staff to apply for the grant. The initial quote for the equipment, which includes ADA accessibility was $30,620.39, including freight.
AARP ultimately denied Creswell’s request for the grant, City Administrator Michelle Amberg said, but noted this was still an idea worth pursuing.
Amberg said the Creswell Parks and Tree Advisory Board liked the idea of installing outdoor exercise equipment on the east side of the center as a neighborhood park.
A hard surface would be installed and some modifications to the irrigation system may be needed, among other changes, Amberg said.
Equipment includes a cardio walker, a captain’s chair, leg press, chest press, lateral pull down, balance board, horizontal chin up, a low push up and a bench dip station.
Mayor Dave Stram asked Amberg if these machines will be able to withstand the Oregon rainy months and other intense weather conditions. She said these machines were designed to remain uncovered and outside in all kinds of weather.
Councilor Martha McReynolds Jr said this opportunity is, ”Low hanging fruit at a reasonable price that gives folks another reason to come out to our parks.”
This item will be placed on the Sept. 10 city council agenda to authorize the city administrator to purchase this equipment and install it at the Cobalt Activity Center. The meeting will be held at 7 p.m. in City Hall.
The overall cost of the project includes equipment, preparation of the site, a rubber foundation and concrete sidewalk for ADA access to the site.
The final cost would range between $50,000 and $60,000, though Amberg said she would get firmer quotes on the proposed cost for the next council meeting.
The City Council approved placing the item on the September City Council agenda.
