Officials gathered Friday to cut the ceremonial ribbon for what will be known as Miami Park. Portage’s 19th park is on leased township school land north of the school bus barns and Portage High School, at the corner of Airport and Lute roads. With additional work remaining, the city Friday dedicated The Fitness Court at Miami Park.
Part of the National Fitness Campaign, the court is a cushioned full-body circuit training center with seven movement zones, each offering numerous exercises utilizing different body parts. A QR code on the structure can lead park users to different exercises, as can The Fitness Court app. In addition, the south side of the 32-by-73-foot court features a studio area for outdoor classes.
Portage Parks Director Kelly Smith envisions yoga, Zumba, and other aerobic exercises and classes in the studio area. The project cost $195,000, with $165,000 covered by the city’s park impact fee and $30,000 from a National Fitness Campaign grant. Portage residential builders pay a park impact fee that can only go to new city parks.
The National Fitness Campaign works with municipalities, schools and sponsors nationwide to design and develop healthy communities. By 2030, the campaign’s goal is to fund 5,000 free outdoor Fitness Courts within a 10-minute bike ride of every American. Smith believes the Miami Park concept is the first of its kind in the area.
Nationally, more than 500 municipalities and counties have joined the campaign. “There are all types o.
