As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, many new social distancing guidelines and capacity limits have been brought to the forefront of every community rec center’s operations. Therefore, with equipment spaced apart and everyone staying at least six feet apart from each other, you might find you need more space in your facility for participants to get the workout they’re looking for.
In late July, the REC of Grapevine in Grapevine, Texas was looking for ways to improve the member experience, and decided to make use of the ample outdoor space around its facility. The aim was to give members more options and help them feel more at ease while working out.
“We’ve built an outdoor workout area that provides outdoor classes and self-directed fitness opportunities for members to further socially distance and workout with more comfort,” said Kevin Mitchell, the director of parks and recreation at the REC of Grapevine. “We currently have a few classes that are scheduled for this area, but any time that area isn’t being used for classes, it is open for self-directed workouts.”
Equipped largely with functional fitness equipment — including kettlebells, dumbbells, jump ropes and more — the outdoor workout area has a turf floor, is covered by a giant tent, and has four misting fans on the edges of the space.
The location of the outdoor workout area also provides members the opportunity to explore the great outdoors. “We thought this was a good location because the outdoor workout area is right next to The REC Trail,” said Mitchell. “It loops around the workout area and connects members to Grapevine’s trail system, which spans 67-plus miles.”
Whether it’s a functional training class, self-directed exercise or hike across the REC Trail, the REC of Grapevine’s new outdoor workout area meets members’ needs in unique circumstances.
“We created this outdoor space to give our members more peace of mind by allowing them to spread out and social distance even more,” said Mitchell.
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Bobby is the former editor of Community Rec Magazine.
