METAIRIE, LA – The Jefferson Chamber Foundation, Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken and FitLot, Inc. celebrated the opening of the first FitLot Outdoor Fitness Park in Jefferson Parish at Bonnabel Boat Launch on Thursday, June 16, 2022 during a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
The 1400 sq. ft. FitLot has an open, circular design ideal for circuit training classes; and its combination of equipment can be used for a wide variety of training methods. The shaded, safety-surfaced space includes a combination of cardio, strength, balance, and flexibility equipment designed for use those of all abilities ages 13+. The park’s cardio stepper, chest/back press, elliptical, and hand cycle all include dials so users can adjust resistance; and QR codes at each station link users to instructional videos demonstrating how to safely use equipment and perform exercises.
“Providing people a place to enjoy outdoor exercise and activity encourages healthy living and builds a stronger community,” said Councilwoman Van Vrancken. “This FitLot gives residents one more thing to enjoy at the already bustling Bonnabel Boat Launch, which is centrally-located along Metairie’s beautiful Lake Pontchartrain lakefront.”
“The Jefferson Chamber Foundation is ecstatic to unveil such an important asset that makes exercise readily accessible within our community,” added Jefferson Chamber President Ruth Lawson. “This FitLot Outdoor Fitness Park immediately elevates the fitness offerings in our parish and is consistent with our LiveWell Jefferson initiative of creating and cultivating a culture of health and wellness for our business community and parish residents.”
With park and programming funding provided by Council District 5, the Jefferson Parks & Recreation Department plans to hire local fitness professionals to offer free workout classes for residents. Director Mario Bazile explains, “JPRD is excited to offer exercise classes in this incredible atmosphere. What a wonderful way to make Metairie fit!”
Throughout the Covid-19 pandemic residents sought the outdoors, looking for new ways to stay active, improve health, and build better connections with family, friends, and neighbors. Hearing the needs of the community, Councilwoman Jennifer Van Vrancken partnered with the Jefferson Chamber Foundation and FitLot, Inc. in a shared goal to make access to outdoor gyms and free workout instruction readily available to all Jefferson Parish residents. This goal is now being realized as we cut the ribbon on a new FitLot Outdoor Fitness Park at Bonnabel Boat Launch.
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