During an official ribbon cutting ceremony Thursday, local government officials, school district administration and community members gathered at the park to see the area’s first Fitness Court, designed for individuals ages 14 and up, and equipped with core, squat, push, lunge, pull, agility and bend workout stations.

Users can scan the QR code found on the court wall to view photos or watch videos of exercise demonstrations using the installed equipment.

“We all agree it is crucial to get people the proper recreational options to be able to get outside and have the opportunity to live healthy lifestyles,” said Jordan Oldham, chairman of the Greenfield Township supervisors.

Oldham said it was lucky he found information about the grant opportunity about a year ago, as it ended up in his junk email folder. After filling out the application, Oldham received notice that the township received a $30,000 grant through the National Fitness Campaign.

Claysburg-Kimmel football player Trevor Brown demonstrates neutral grip push-ups at the Fitness Court outdoor gym at Claysburg Community Park on Thursday afternoon. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

In early March, Grannas Bros. in Hollidaysburg laid the blacktop before the equipment was eventually set in late May.

Oldham worked alongside Claysburg-Kimmel’s Assistant Superintendent Brannan Raptosh to raise awareness about the court among the district’s students.

“We’re very excited to teach our youth about this resource,” Raptosh said.

Demonstrating the equipment were three members of the Claysburg-Kimmel High School football team, one of the many groups likely to use the equipment to increase their fitness, strength and stamina.

Incoming sophomore Brodie Burket tried out the multi-grip pulling ladders and said the outdoor gym is an easily accessible resource for the community.

Greenfield Township board of supervisors chairman Jordan Oldham speaks prior to the ribbon cutting of the Fitness Court outdoor gym at Claysburg Community Park on Thursday afternoon. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

“People who are living around here, it’s easy to walk to and do something,” incoming senior Trevor Brown said.

The student athletes said the court offers people more to do in the outdoors, instead of playing on smart devices inside.

“We’ll definitely see more people outside rather than inside,” incoming junior Ayden Soler said.

Claysburg-Kimmel physical education teacher Rebecca Benton said the outdoor gym is great for not only the community at large, but also the district’s students.

“Sometimes you come to this stuff, and you’re intimidated,” she said, but she emphasized that there are videos that show how to use the equipment.

Claysburg-Kimmel football player Trevor Brown demonstrates a box jump. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Benton plans on incorporating the new outdoor gym into her school curriculum next year.

Workouts using the Fitness Court will be something easy to replicate at home, she said, as it provides students with individual exercise routines instead of group activities.

Oldham said that the outdoor gym isn’t playground equipment, hence the 150-foot gap between the court and the playground. A disclaimer on the back wall also states that the gym is open to those who are 14 years old and older.

Those who plan on using the equipment can also download The Fitness Court application that unlocks an outdoor gym network and training.

The township is currently seeking outdoor gym ambassadors who would be willing to learn about the equipment and teach others, Oldham said. Those interested can find out more by scanning a QR code, found at the park underneath the American flag.

Claysburg-Kimmel football player Trevor Brown demonstrates ring push-ups. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Grace Helsel of Claysburg does squats. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski

Alison McMullen of Claysburg works on the bars. Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski