Seniors get exercise stations at Frontier Park

Fresh on the heels of the successful construction and dedication of Prosper’s Windmill Playground designed specifically for youngsters, their older counterparts will soon enjoy the benefits of a similar amenity at Frontier Park as the Parks and Recreation Department constructs active older adult fitness stations, according to Wade Harden, Senior Parks and Recreation Planner.

“The rising number of older adults, their increased longevity and their need to maintain fitness levels at their maximum prompted us to find ways to provide a means for them to exercise safely and in a social environment,” he said.

In an effort to meet that need, and to help enhance the seniors’ quality of life, the Prosper Town Council recently agreed to set aside some $33,000 to purchase and install eight ergonomically-designed fitness stations at Frontier Park intended specifically for older adults. The stations are one of only a handful of other similarly-constructed, publically-funded active adult self-paced fitness and exercise facilities in the country.

“In a complementary fashion to Windmill Playground, which is north and east of the baseball complex, the eight stations are spaced out along the opposite side of the park along the hike and bike trails, four stations on the west and four stations on the southeast sides of the baseball complex,” Harden said.

Among the stations are a Tai Chi spinner, a two-person cross country ski station, two-person leg press, a stationary recumbent bike, a seated leg extension station, a two-person vertical arm press, a stair climber and a seated core exercise apparatus.

“The exercise stations are in two locations, connected by the hike trail, giving seniors a chance to work out and then take a walking break between the two exercise stations. Benches will be added later to give seniors a sitting break as well,” he said.

So-called baby boomers are aging and their need and desire to remain active and maintain their quality of life prompted the Town to pursue development of the exercise facilities.

Community supporter and senior citizen advocate Twila Webber was actively engaged in fine-tuning the concept, lobbying for its implementation and designing the final layout.

She expressed excitement at the prospect of improving the health and social well-being of her fellow senior citizens. “We are very grateful to the Town for recognizing our needs. This shows that indeed, in Prosper, everyone matters,” said Webber.

The two fitness station amenities are set to open in early July.

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