OREGON – The Oregon Park District recently upgraded and added additional equipment to Nash Recreation Center Fitness Center and Prairie Room.
“During the spring of 2017 Matt Mekeel, Superintendent of Recreation and fitness staff members worked with two separate fitness professionals to evaluate our existing equipment and areas of need,” said Erin Folk, executive director.
“Nash Recreation Center offers one of the top fitness centers in our area. Our goal as a Park District is to create a state-of-the art fitness center for all ages and types of fitness.”
The new equipment was purchased through a three-year lease for a total cost of $39,723. The lease agreement allows the district to split the annual payments with a $1 buyout at the end of the three years.
“The last major upgrade to the fitness center was in 2015 replacing the Cybex weight equipment,” Folk said. “This lease option allowed us to upgrade many pieces and spread it out over three years. The average age of the equipment being replaced is 7-8 years. The lease allows us to facilitate a replacement plan to keep our equipment current and well-maintained. The new equipment will reduce maintenance costs while offering our patrons the best possible equipment.”
The Fitness Center upgrades include four treadmills, an upright bike, recumbent cross-trainer, recumbent bike, two air bikes, rower, squat rack (1/2 rack) and 255 lbs. of free weights.
In January of 2017, the Prairie Room was transformed from a meeting/classroom to a smaller fitness room with TRX workout equipment, jump boxes and slam balls. The Prairie Room will also see an addition of several pieces of equipment and spin bikes to allow a different workout experience.
"The Prairie Room is a smaller setting from our fitness center that some patrons prefer. The room can also be used privately with our personal trainers to get the ultimate workout on your own," said Superintendent of Recreation Matt Mekeel. "The room has been well received by patrons. Our latest additions will allow even more fitness opportunities for them.”
New equipment in the Prairie Room includes three spin bikes, three sets of dumbbells ranging from 3-15 lbs., three sets of kettlebells ranging from 12-24 lbs., 55 and 65 cm fitness balls, fitness steps, various weighted fitness ropes and yoga mats.
In addition to the new equipment, Wellbeats will be added to replace Fitness on Demand this fall. Wellbeats will provide an opportunity for people to take spin bike classes, TRX classes or utilize any of the fitness equipment with a class on their own schedule at the push of a button.
“This fall, we will host an open house for everyone to come and see the upgrades to the Fitness Center and Prairie Room. Watch for more details,” Mekeel said.
Nash Recreation Center is open Monday-Friday from 5:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. For more information on Nash Recreation Center visit www.oregonpark.org or call 815-732-3101.
