News Release Header
For Immediate Release:
July 17, 2013
Media Contact:
Laura Phillips
[email protected]
305-755-7842

Brenda McClymonds
[email protected]
305-667-0409

Miami-Dade County Parks Celebrates the Opening of a New Fitness Zone at Concord Park on July 24 at 11 a.m.

Fitness ZoneĀ® Includes ADA Exercise Equipment Designed for People with Wheelchairs


The Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department in partnership with The Trust for Public Land (TPL) Fitness Zone® Program, the Health Foundation of South Florida (HFSF) and MetLife Foundation announces the opening of a new Fitness Zone® exercise area at Concord Park (3301 SW 114 Ave., Miami) on Wednesday, July 24, 2013.  Residents are invited to join them at 11:00 a.m. for the dedication ceremonies.  Speakers for this event will include Miami-Dade County District 10 Commissioner, Senator Javier Souto, and representatives from Miami HEAT Wheels, Miami-Dade County Parks, TPL, HFSF, and MetLife.  Among those attending the festivities will be teens enrolled in Miami-Dade County Parks' 'Fit2Play, Green-It-Up' and Disability Services Summer Camps. 

The event will mark the 11th installation of free outdoor gyms by Miami-Dade County Parks (7-TPL Fitness Zone® and 4-fitness courts). Future Fitness Zone® sites include Blue Lakes Park and Goulds Park. Fitness courts are also planned for Gratigny Park, Tree Island Park and North Trail Park.

The new outdoor Fitness Zone® is ADA accessible and consists of a cluster of 10 fitness stations with strength training and cardio exercise equipment.  It features a "Leg Press," a "Cross Country Ski," a "Pendulum Abs," a sit-ups bench, two horizontal bars, and an elliptical trainer. There are also "Chest Press," "Lat Pull Down," "Vertical Press," and hand-cycle stations that have ADA versions of the exercise equipment specifically built in-allowing wheelchair users to remain seated in their wheelchair during their workout.

"The Trust for Public Land's Fitness Zone® Program provides free outdoor fitness equipment in local parks-often in neighborhoods where gym memberships are too pricey to be practical.  The Concord Park Fitness Zone® promotes a healthy lifestyle for people of all abilities," said Brenda McClymonds, The Trust for Public Land's Miami-Dade program director. 

"We are making great strides in our efforts to build a healthier Miami-Dade County.  Thanks to our dedicated Parks team and long-time partners in The Trust for Public Land, the Health Foundation of South Florida and the MetLife Foundation, Miami-Dade citizens of all abilities have more recreational opportunities available to them than ever before. They can also look forward to seeing more of the same fitness amenities at other local parks in the near future," said Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos A. Gimenez.

"This is a great addition to Concord Park. I invite area teens, adults and seniors to treat themselves to a fun and exhilarating workout at this beautiful park.  And best of all, this outdoor gym is absolutely free to use," said Commissioner Souto.

"Our goal is to inspire residents of all ages to include a fitness regimen in their daily routine to stem off heart disease, obesity and other ailments," said Miami-Dade County Parks Director Jack Kardys. "In this way we are helping them to live a healthier lifestyle and stay fit for life."

The cost for the new Fitness Zone® at Concord Park totaled $93,750. Funding was provided by TPL in partnership with HFSF and MetLife Foundation.

The 10-acre park also has a little-league size baseball field, basketball courts, lighted walking paths, and a playground. 

For directions and further information about activities at Concord Park, visit www.miamidade.gov/parks or call Miami-Dade Parks Central Region office at Tamiami Park - 786-315-5252.  

About the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department:
Nationally accredited, a three-time winner of the NRPA National Gold Medal Award, winner of the 2013 Florida Governor's Sustained Excellence Award and the 2009 Florida Governor's Sterling Award for excellence in management and operations, Miami-Dade County Parks is the third largest county park system in the United States, consisting of 260 parks and 12,825 acres of land.  It is one of the most unique park and recreation systems in the world.  Made up of more than just playgrounds and athletic fields, it also comprises out-of-school, sports-development, and summer-camp programs; programs for seniors and people with disabilities; educational nature centers and nature preserves; environmental restoration efforts; arts and culture programs and events; the renowned Zoo Miami and the Deering Estate at Cutler; the Crandon Tennis Center, home of the Sony Open; golf courses; beaches; marinas; campgrounds; pools; and more.  For information about Miami-Dade County Parks call 3-1-1, or visit www.miamidade.gov/parks/.

Miami-Dade County Parks is supported by The Parks Foundation of Miami-Dade a non-profit 501(c)3 organization supporting the Miami-Dade County Parks, Recreation and Open Spaces Department's efforts to further develop Miami-Dade County's world-class parks system for residents and visitors.  Its mission is to create a healthier, more livable and sustainable Miami community by ensuring the implementation of the Parks Open Space Master Plan and the development of year-round park and recreation programs for local children, adults and people with disabilities.  For more information on the Parks Foundation, please visit www.miamidade.gov/parks_foundation.

To request material in accessible format, information on access for persons with disabilities, or sign language interpreter services (7 days in advance), call 305-755-7848.