Parks & Recreation partners with local students to bring first public outdoor gym to
Delray Beach
Grand opening ceremony to be held at Barwick Park on August 18
The city of Delray Beach is proud to announce new outdoor 
fitness equipment at Barwick Park. A free, public grand opening ceremony will be held on Friday, August 18, 2017 from 11:00 a.m. - 2:00 pm.
The installation of the fitness equipment was made possible with the help of recent Atlantic High School graduates, Talia Vessal and Christelle Singh, who presented the idea to the city in October of 2016. As part of an assignment in a drafting class, the students were challenged to create a plan and design for the community's benefit. Taking the project a step further, the students decided to implement the plan. They both agreed Barwick Park was a perfect fit.
"Initially, this project began on paper as an International Baccalaureate Career Program assignment, but it quickly evolved into a great opportunity to improve our drafting and engineering knowledge, start our careers, and leave our mark in Delray Beach," says Talia and Christelle. "We believe building an outdoor workout gym perfects some of the City's plans already in place. This park is inspired by our desire to create a healthier community, mentally and physically."
The students not only developed the concept and design, but also secured funding from public and private donors. The city also invested in the project.
"The Barwick Park fitness area is an excellent example of a community inspired project that was completed through a collaborative process and funded through both public and private dollars, which will enhance the park for all participants," says Parks and Recreation Director, Suzanne Fisher. "The city would like to thank Talia and Christelle for their enthusiasm, talent and hard work."
Visitors of the park can look forward to an elliptical machine, push up station, pull up bars, chess press and more.
For more information contact Alberta Gaum, Recreation Superintendent with Delray Beach Parks and Recreation at (561) 243-7000 ext. 5105 or by email at
Gaum@mydelraybeach.com
.
