Morinville launches new equipment and new health initiative

By Lucie Roy

Morinville – The launch of the Outdoor Fitness Equipment and Morinville’s commitment to become a ChooseWell community took place at the Fish & Game Pond Thursday night. Susan MacDonald, Director of Community Services spoke of the Launch of the Outdoor Fitness equipment and how it fit perfectly in becoming a ChooseWell Community in her opening remarks prior to the official ribbon cutting ceremony. The ribbon cutting included Mayor Lloyd Bertschi, former Councillor Joe Gosselin and Deputy Mayor Paul Krauskopf. Mayor Bertschi spoke of how Joe Gosselin was instrumental in bringing the vision of the outdoor fitness equipment to Morinville and that he could see how it materialized. The Mayor also introduced the new “Getting Outdoor Active” brochure about Morinville’s Trails.

The outdoor gym is weather proof, colourful and uses a person’s own body weight for resistance said Joe Gosselin. Gosselin first saw the idea of the outdoor equipment at a trade show a few years ago and was impressed. He introduced the idea at a council meeting for the Morinville budget.

There are presently six fitness stations in Morinville. Station 1 is at the Splash Park, Station 2, 3 and 4 at the Fish & Game Pond, Station 5 at the Storm Lift Station and Station 6 at Sunshine Lake. The stations include a total of 22 pieces of equipment, ability to work 17 major muscle groups in the body, 4.7 km distance of trail (one way) and eight access points to the trail.

Approximately 50 people were in attendance for the launch, which included equipment demonstrations by Lara Thompson, a local personal trainer. Danielle Gri, a registered nurse with Primary Care Network (PCN) and Sarah Page, Tobacco Educator with PCN, were at the event in support of the launch and also had a display with numerous informative handouts on healthy living and fitness. There were a few draws for prizes, free handouts and water bottles, reflective arm bands, an opportunity to try out some Nordic walking poles and enjoy a healthy snack from the Trail Bar.

In her background information MacDonald mentioned that Morinville is committed to supporting its residents in their expressed desire for additional spontaneous use facilities and their desire to become a more fit and active community. “We are one of 146 Alberta Communities taking part in the provincial movement of a ChooseWell Community,” MacDonald said. Morinville is going to promote the community as a healthy and active community. The motto is Eat Right-Be Active because health is everybody’s business.

ChooseWell programming will fall between May 1- Sept. 30, but the hope is to develop champions/leaders and community partnerships that will continue the movement of being a healthy, active community in which to live.