GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, Mich. (WPBN/WGTU) -- A new community wellness center is open in Traverse City.
The open-air Fitness Court is located north of the Boardman Lake Trail Park and boat launch.
Grand Traverse County, Priority Health and the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) teamed up to make the fitness court possible.
The open-air wellness center allows for a complete workout for users of all ages and fitness levels.
“Grand Traverse County is thrilled to partner with the National Fitness Campaign and Priority Health to bring a Fitness Court to this community” said Nate Alger, Grand Traverse County Administrator. “GT County is dedicated to improving the health and welfare of our community and partnering for an addition of a Fitness Court on Boardman Lake Loop TART trail is the perfect way to demonstrate that commitment!” Alger went on to say that “not only is the Fitness Court available to those who live, work, or recreate near the new Fitness Court, county and city employees who work at the Governmental Center will also be able to take advantage of the healthy activities the Fitness Court offers, and that is a great opportunity for those employees.”
The area was targeted as a Brownfield Redevelopment area with the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority issuing $52,285 in Tax Increment Revenue (TIR) for site preparation earlier this year.
Brownfield sites are previously developed areas that have a threat of contamination on the property or have blight conditions.
The total cost of the project is $80,000 which includes $15,000 for site development, $50,000 for equipment and $15,000 for installation.
People using the fitness center can also download a free Fitness Court App.
The Fitness Court in Traverse City is the second for Grand Traverse County.
A similar wellness court area opened in Blair Township in 2021.
Priority Health plans to open at least six more courts in 2022 in easily accessible public spaces across the state