On Saturday, cheers and encouragement filled the air at the grand opening of GroundPlay, Fort Cavazos’ first outdoor fitness family park. Dozens of soldiers, their families, and children gathered for a special “Demo Day” hosted by the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) to celebrate the new facility’s debut.
The park features a variety of zones designed to support different aspects of physical activity and leisure. It includes a group workout area, a multi-use court, a playground, fitness stations equipped with durable outdoor gym equipment, a running trail, and a picnic area with tables. Funded by the Installation Management Command with a $2 million investment, the park aims to promote holistic wellness among military families.
“This park represents our ongoing commitment to improving the quality of life for soldiers and their families at The Great Place,” said Col. Lakishia Stokes, commander at Fort Cavazos. “When we began this journey last year, it wasn’t just about constructing a facility—it was about strengthening the community. This is the first park of its kind in the Army, and it symbolizes much more than new equipment or sports fields. It provides an energetic space for fitness, relaxation, and connection. It stands as a testament to our dedication to both physical and mental well-being.”
She emphasized that the park is only the beginning. “This is not the finish line. It’s a starting point—a place where teams can bond outside of training, where kids create lasting memories with friends, and where fitness becomes a shared lifestyle instead of just a routine,” she added.
The park officially opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Friday, attended by Fort Cavazos leadership, DFMWR representatives, and members of Kompan, the company responsible for designing, manufacturing, and installing the playground and fitness equipment.
“I’m proud to say that this facility is one of a kind,” said Brad Pitman, director at Kompan. “There’s nowhere else like this in the world, certainly not in the nation. With over 40,000 square feet of space dedicated to fitness and play, it’s ready to welcome families and children anytime.”
“At Kompan, one of our missions is to help build healthier, happier communities, and I believe we’ve accomplished that here. I’m incredibly proud of the role we’ve played in supporting the Army,” Pitman added. “If there’s one thing we can offer this community, it’s a place where every person can find a little more joy.”
Demo Day featured various fitness classes such as applied functional fitness, Zumba, and yoga, as well as summer fitness challenges in May and June, pickleball lessons, and massage therapy—all within view of the playground.
“It’s amazing to be able to work out while keeping an eye on my daughter and knowing she’s safe,” said Robert Gaytan of the 4th Missile Battalion, 5th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 69th Air Defense Artillery Brigade, after finishing a Demo Day session. “As a parent, that really means a lot.”
GroundPlay is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., and on weekends from 7:00 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. It is located behind the Abrams Physical Fitness Center on 58th Street.
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