DEL NORTE – Through the combined effort of the Rio Grande County Public Health Department, the Town of Del Norte, and Rio Grande Hospital, a new Fitness Court Studio has opened in the Del Norte Centennial Park.
A small crowd comprised of staff members, local leaders, law enforcement, first responders, local students, members of the public and state representatives gathered on Sept. 18 to celebrate the grand opening of the Fitness Court Studio. It was an afternoon marked with sentiments of providing healthy opportunities to the community and highlighting how important wellness is to Del Norte.
The ceremony featured keynote speakers from several organizations, including SLV Early Childhood Council member Kathryn Trujillo and Kristin Love, who started the afternoon off with a welcome speech.
“First we would like to thank Rio Grande County Public Health, UCHealth, National Fitness Campaign, the Town of Del Norte, and Rio Grande Hospital for their support in bringing this important program to our community and for recognizing the need to support healthy lifestyles for all Coloradoans.”
Next to speak was Rio Grande County Administrator Skip Schoen.
“As the administrator of Rio Grande County, it is my great pleasure to help celebrate the grand opening of this state-of-the-art outdoor Fitness Court Studio, a remarkable new addition that we are proud to have right here in Rio Grande County,” he said.
Schoen spoke about the importance of making health a wellness a priority in communities big and small and to allow those who are seeking a healthier lifestyle access to healthy living without having to afford expensive equipment or gym memberships.
Rio Grande Hospital CEO Arlene Harms said that the installation of the fitness court studio came just in time to support the vision of wellness throughout the community.
“I was so excited when Rio Grande County Public Health Department Director Dr. Bankole asked if we wanted to offer support for this project. We at the hospital feel like this is an extension of our mission at the hospital as well. We want our community to understand how important it is to move from treating someone who is sick to helping them prevent illness. It's time to move to wellness,” she said.
Health and Wellness Coordinator Esteban Salazar, with SLVGO added, “This is a milestone moment for your community, and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunities this fitness court will bring to all of you. At San Luis Valley Great Outdoors, it is our mission to connect people to the great outdoors, promote healthy lifestyles and protect our natural environments. This Fitness Court Studio fits perfectly with our vision. It’s more than just a place for exercise, it’s a place where people can experience the benefits of outdoor recreation.”
The final speaker was Colorado State Representative for District 62, Matthew Martinez.
“As the State Representative for House District 62, I am proud to see projects like this come to life right here in Rio Grande County. This serves as a model of what is possible when communities, local leaders and organizations come together to promote health and wellbeing. This Fitness Court Studio isn’t just a facility. It’s a testament to our shared belief that the power of public health and the importance of providing access to the tools people need can lead to healthier lives,” Martinez said.
The remainder of the afternoon was dedicated to demonstrations on the fitness court by members of law enforcement, first responders, staff members with Rio Grande Public Health Department, and students from the Upper Rio Grande School District.
A shoutout went to Ryan Scavo, owner of Big River Collective, who provided the photography installed on the west side of the Fitness Court Studio depicting a scene of the Rio Grande at sunset.
The Fitness Court Studio is the result of a partnership between Rio Grande County Public Health (with Town of Del Norte and Rio Grande Hospital as partners), UCHealth and NFC to expand free access to high-quality workouts, creating equitable access to exercise for communities around the state. The Fitness Court Studio delivers the powerful seven minutes full body workout on one side and a versatile outdoor class area for enjoying yoga, Zumba, pilates, and other group wellness activities on the opposite side.
Created with people aged 14 and over and with all abilities in mind, the workouts are adaptable
for all fitness levels, allowing participants to move at their own pace. Users also may download
the free Fitness Court App which acts as a coach-in-your-pocket and enhances the outdoor gym
into a digitally supported wellness experience.
