Weirton Parks board discusses outdoor gym proposal

WEIRTON -- The Weirton Board of Parks and Recreation has been approached about the possibility of bringing an outdoor community exercise facility to the city, although officials note funding could be an obstacle.

During Thursday morning's board meeting, Parks Director Coty Shingle announced the board had been contacted by the National Fitness Campaign with the idea of establishing one of the group's Fitness Courts in Weirton.

"It would be the location of our choice," Shingle explained.

Established in 1979, the National Fitness Campaign works with communities across the country to fund and build outdoor gyms called Fitness Courts. According to the group's website, 10,000 courts have been built in the United States, Canada and Australia over the last 43 years.

If the project would move forward, Shingle said Marland Heights Park would be the most logical location.

"It has the most potential for unused space," Shingle said, adding Starvaggi Memorial Park and the Panhandle Recreation Trail also were options.

He noted the organization originally had suggested locating it in front of the Millsop Community Center.

The total cost for the project would be $165,000, Shingle said, with the organization providing a $100,000 grant and the Park Board responsible for a $65,000 local match.

While Shingle said he could approach Weirton Council for assistance, others said they might want to consider additional options in the event the city was unwilling.

"Is there funding through the state?" board member Deb Witkowski asked, also recommending checking with local businesses for support.

Board member Doug Finton said he feels there wouldn't be a problem raising the necessary funds through support from the community.

Meanwhile, board member Iris Himmelrick said she previously had discussions with a resident about a similar project, and thought the individual might want to be involved.

Shingle explained the National Fitness Campaign had approached Weirton Parks as it had been involved in another project in Weirton in the early 1980s, with the establishment of a walking trail at Starvaggi Park.

(Howell can be contacted at chowell@weirtondailytimes.com, and followed via Twitter @CHowellWDT)