Palos Park is soon to introduce an outdoor fitness court at Village Green, providing a space for adults to engage in physical activity, complementing the recently upgraded playground designed for children.
On May 12, during a village board meeting, Palos Park Mayor Nicole Milovich-Walters and Commissioner Rebecca Petan presented plans for the fitness court. The initiative aims to set a positive example for children by allowing them to see their parents engage in fitness while they play.
“This will set a great example for our children,” Mayor Milovich-Walters remarked. “They will see their parents staying healthy while they are out playing.”
Petan emphasized the importance of a healthy community, noting that the fitness court will provide residents, workers, and local organizations with tools to integrate diverse fitness routines into their daily lives.
Once completed, the court will feature a specialized app to guide users on how to make the most of the space, offering exercise routines and instructions.
The project is sponsored by the National Fitness Campaign, which received $50,000 from Blue Cross Blue Shield to fund the initiative. Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital also contributed $50,000 to the project.
The outdoor court will include various zones, such as core training, squat, press, lunge, pull-up, agility, and curl stations, catering to all fitness levels.
“This is an exciting development for the village,” Petan added. “With pickleball courts, tennis courts, and playgrounds, we wanted to offer even more opportunities for residents to enjoy themselves. It will be an essential addition to our community’s health ecosystem.”
In other recreation news, the village agreed to a contract worth $18,390 with Floors, Incorporated of Woodstock for the repair, sanding, painting, and refinishing of the gymnasium floor at the recreation center.
Village Status Update
During the meeting, Mayor Milovich-Walters also provided a village status update, emphasizing the ongoing growth and commitment to responsible planning and community spirit.
“This year has been about continued growth, responsible planning, and fostering community,” she said, revealing that the village’s current fiscal year spending plan is $13.2 million, with reserves of $9.2 million. “Our village is strong,” she added. “Our finance department may be small, but the team is highly efficient.”
The mayor proudly shared that the recreation department had organized 20 special events over the past year, fostering community unity. She also mentioned her efforts to bring transparency and a welcoming atmosphere to the village, stating that she hosts “Connect with Council” events each month to build personal relationships with residents and enhance the village’s social media presence.
“We formed a welcome committee for new residents, and last year we welcomed more than 30 new families,” she concluded.
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