DATE: June 4, 2015
CONTACT: Stephanie Manning, Public Relations & Marketing Manager, Olathe Medical Center, 913-791-4311, Stephanie.manning@olathehealth.org
New Outdoor Fitness Park at Heritage Park Offers Community Members Free Access to Exercise Equipment and Wellness Opportunities
Olathe Medical Center (OMC) and Johnson County Park and Recreation District (JCPRD) are providing a unique wellness opportunity for community members with the opening of the OMC Fitness Park at Heritage Park. Like with an indoor gym, the outdoor equipment is designed to help improve strength, endurance and flexibility. But the greatest advantage comes from combining these benefits with the natural boost users will experience simply from being outdoors.
The fitness park project is part of OMC’s Community Health Improvement Plan, which was developed to address the top health need priorities identified through the hospital’s Community Health Needs Assessment. The top health need priority in our service area is to decrease the obesity rate among residents.
“OMC is a committed partner to the overall health of the communities we serve,” Frank H. Devocelle, President/CEO of Olathe Health System, said. “With the collaboration between OMC and great community partners like JCPRD, we are able to provide opportunities to enhance the health and wellness of our community members. It is our hope the fitness park will encourage physical activity for all residents in an overall effort to decrease the obesity rate in our community.”
The workout equipment includes stair steppers, a weight machine, pull-up bar and more. The park is free and open to the public year round. It’s positioned in perfect proximity to park trails, a marina, playground and other amenities.
“JCPRD’s partnerships with OMC, which began with the creation of the region’s first women’s triathlon in 2009, have always resulted in wonderful benefits for the community,” Jill Geller, Executive Director of JCPRD, said. “The new fitness park in Heritage Park, which would not have been possible without OMC’s encouragement and support, is yet another example of our shared commitment to the health and wellness of Johnson County residents.”
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Photo Caption: The new Olathe Medical Center (OMC) Fitness Park at Heritage Park opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on June 4, 2015. The fitness park is a collaboration between OMC and Johnson County Park and Recreation District. The workout equipment includes stair steppers, weight machine, pull-up bar and more. The park is free and open to the public year round. It’s positioned in perfect proximity to park trails, a marina, playground and other amenities.