New Adult Outdoor Fitness Center Opens In Fairfield

FAIRFIELD, CT — A new outdoor fitness center, designed to help elderly and other adult residents exercise outside, has been unveiled at the Bigelow Center for Senior Activities in Fairfield.

The $262,000 fitness center, which is free to use, has several pieces of strength equipment, a swing set, and an agility walking path, all designed to help keep adults, especially older ones, in shape.

Additionally, the conditioning equipment tailored for individuals with disabilities or physical limitations.

Funding for the equipment, which rests on a spongy, rubberized floor, was provided by the state's American Rescue Plan Act money, in addition to other money from a state grant for senior center efforts. Members of Fairfield's state legislative delegation are credited with helping to secure the additional state money.

"The goal of this project was to get seniors back outside after the Covid pandemic," said Julie DeMarco, Fairfield's Director of Human Services, who helped oversee the project. Crews from the Fairfield Parks and Recreation Department built the new fitness center.

First Selectman Bill Gerber, who voted for the use of the funding while a member of the Representative Town Meeting, said he plans to use the equipment on occasion, and hopes to see others using it, too.

"This is something permanent for the town, and I hope that using it can become a part of people's regular routine," Gerber said.