Del City opens outdoor fitness court at Patriot Park

By Valerie Scott
Midwest City Beacon

Del City is offering a new way to exercise.

The city recently opened first outdoor exercise equipment at the Patriot Park, 4507 SE 15th St.

The exercise equipment offers a full-body workout. It is designed for ages 14 and above. Children younger than 14 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Rashanna Moore, the marketing coordinator for Del City and fitness ambassador shared that the five minute speed course is the same one used by police officers during training. Don’t worry though, for all the other “regular Joe’s” working on their post Covid look, there’s multiple levels of intensity, ranging from easy to hard.

The Fitness Court app is available to provide users step-by-step instructions and varied lesson plan videos using the equipment. Instructions are also listed next to the equipment itself.
On the back wall of the court one can view the bold American Flag even from the Highway.

“With Del City being so connected to Tinker Air Force Base and all of our amazing patriots we thought we’d do a connection piece,” said JD Hock, the economic and community development director for Del City.

The process of building the fitness court was put into full swing and completed in only four months. Moore came up with the idea to bring an outdoor fitness center to Del City and Hock climbed aboard right away, applying for grants. The fitness court project cost about $200,000. The city was selected and gifted the Healthy Cities Grant of $30,000 to start the process. The Oklahoma

Department of Commerce provided the remaining $170,000.

The money and effort put into the court definitely shows loud and clear with several accommodating features. Pavilions are scheduled for construction to provide a shady resting area; benches will also be scattered throughout the park. A walking trail will be put in, to connect the full length of Patriots Park. Hydration Stations are also coming in the near future to offer free, clean water to people inside the park. OG&E will be providing 24-hour lights at the end of summer.

Cheryl Ford, assistant to Hock, said the police and firefighters might enjoy the new equipment.

“There’s even a little rumor going around that the Del City firefighters and police officers might have friendly competition at the fitness court,” Ford said.

While the fitness court is open to the public now, the city will hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting celebration at 10 a.m. June 22. Local vendors will be there to supply free energy drinks. Being just a few feet away from the pool, the court is a perfect place to get free, local exercise with a refreshing pool within walking distance.

Classes will be scheduled after the grand opening on June 22 of June for twice a month on Saturdays. Times will vary on classes, see the Del City Facebook to register and find a time to fit your schedule.