As the New Year begins, communities everywhere are embracing fresh goals centered around health, wellness, and active living. Parks and public spaces play a powerful role in supporting these resolutions by offering accessible, social, and energizing places for people of all ages to get moving. Outdoor fitness spaces have become one of the fastest-growing trends in recreation, and Cunningham Recreation is proud to help cities, schools, HOAs, and community organizations bring high-quality fitness opportunities to their residents.
Whether you’re looking to promote family fitness, support older adults, or give active teens and adults a place to train, outdoor fitness parks provide an inclusive solution that encourages healthy habits year-round.
Why Outdoor Fitness Spaces Matter
Accessible for All: Outdoor fitness areas eliminate barriers like gym fees, transportation, or class schedules. Equipment is available whenever your community is ready to get active.
Promotes Community Wellness: From walking loops to multigenerational fitness zones, these spaces encourage group activity, social interaction, and a sense of belonging. Research consistently shows that people are more likely to stick to their fitness goals when they feel supported by their environment.
Encourages Active Lifestyles: Adding fitness equipment alongside playgrounds, trails, or sports courts increases the likelihood that families will exercise together. Parents can be active while their children play, making movement part of daily life. According to the CDC, adults need at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity per week, and access to safe, convenient outdoor spaces significantly increases the likelihood that people will meet these guidelines.
Our Outdoor Fitness Solutions
Cunningham Recreation partners with GameTime to offer purpose-built outdoor fitness products backed by research and designed for real results. Communities can choose from a variety of fitness solutions depending on space, budget, and goals. Here are a few examples:
THRIVE: Compact, High-Impact Fitness
THRIVE fitness systems pack a full workout into a small footprint. With multiple training stations like push-ups, dips, step-ups, pull-ups, and balance challenges, THRIVE is ideal for:
- Parks and trails
- HOAs
- Educational Facilities: Schools, Universities and College Campuses
- Corporate wellness spaces
Each system encourages functional fitness and can accommodate multiple users at once.
Challenge Courses: Fun Meets Fitness
GameTime’s GT Challenge Courses bring obstacle-course excitement to your park. Perfect for teens and adults, these courses build strength, speed, agility, and coordination. Timed race features even allow users to track their performance and compete with friends. Challenge Course comes in preconfigured designs, or you can design your own. Custom capabilities as well as inclusive designs are also available. Challenge Courses are great for:
- Parks
- Schools
- Community Centers
- Sports Complexes
FitKid® Play-Fitness
Designed for youth, FitKid combines play and exercise to keep children active and engaged. It encourages movement through fun, developmentally appropriate equipment. Great option for schools and after school programs.
GT Fit
We offer a wide range of durable, weather-resistant equipment including:
- Cardio steppers and ellipticals
- Strength trainers
- Bodyweight stations
- Stretching and warm-up areas
Each piece is designed for long-term use and minimal maintenance. GT Fit adult fitness stations can be configured in an outdoor fitness park, senior living communities, therapeutic settings, hospitals, adjacent to playgrounds or along a trail. Accessible options are available.
Designing a Fitness Space That Works
Creating an effective outdoor fitness park is about more than equipment. It's about thoughtful design. Our team helps guide communities through every step:
- Site Planning and Layout
- Product Selection
- Safety and Surfacing
- Signage and Instruction
Success Stories: Fitness in Action
Across the country, cities and communities are transforming underused green spaces into vibrant fitness hubs. From THRIVE structures at community centers to outdoor GT Fit equipment along walking trails, these projects are empowering residents to move more and live healthier.
Outdoor fitness spaces have also become popular additions to:
- Municipal parks
- School wellness initiatives
- Senior living communities
- Housing developments
- Corporate campuses
These investments promote long-term health and encourage residents to make exercise part of their daily routine.
Kick Off the New Year With a Healthier Community
If your community is looking for a meaningful way to support wellness in 2026, an outdoor fitness space is a great place to start. With durable equipment, thoughtful design options, and solutions for every budget, Cunningham Recreation makes it easy to bring active, inspiring environments to life.
Ready to create a fitness destination in your community? Contact us today to get started!
