Metro 24 Fitness trainers on Thursday demonstrated how to use the new outdoor exercise equipment at the fitness court at St. Margaret’s Park, 230 S. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert)

Metro 24 Fitness trainers on Thursday demonstrated how to use the new outdoor exercise equipment at the fitness court at St. Margaret’s Park, 230 S. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert)

by Mary Rupert

On a cool, 48-degree day, a new outdoor fitness court was dedicated at St. Margaret’s Park at 230 S. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas.

After a number of speeches and a ribbon-cutting on Dec. 19, trainers from Metro 24 Fitness demonstrated how the equipment might be used at the public park.

Exercise rings, boxes and steps were some of the available equipment at the fitness court. The fitness court is accessible, and is geared to adults, teens and senior citizens.

The court may be used by individuals while the park is open, and programs at the fitness court are expected to be announced in the spring. There is no charge to use the fitness court.

St. Margaret’s Park has seen some improvements in recent years, according to speakers at the event, with a new grove of fruit trees planted to the south of the fitness court, and a futsal court and basketball court built two years ago is close by.

Unified Government Commissioner Brian McKiernan, 2nd District, said at the event that discussions are underway for uses for some of the park land to the north of the fitness court. Also attending the event was UG Commissioner Tom Burroughs, 2nd District at large.

“The power of any community is the community coming together for shared goals and shared victories,” Commissioner McKiernan said.

Pat Lawson, of the St. Joseph Watchdogs neighborhood group, said all the improvements at the park were the result of groups, residents and the Unified Government working together. It will bring generations together, she said.

Sponsors of the fitness court included the Latino Health for All Coalition, United Health Care, Wyandotte County Parks Foundation, UG Health Department, UG Parks and Recreation Department and Humana. The UG received a grant for this project.

The park entrance is from the south on Gilmore, east of 8th Street. The park is just north of I-70 along South 7th Street.

Story and photos copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert

Metro 24 Fitness trainers on Thursday demonstrated how to use the new outdoor exercise equipment at the fitness court at St. Margaret’s Park, 230 S. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert)

Metro 24 Fitness trainers on Thursday demonstrated how to use the new outdoor exercise equipment at the fitness court at St. Margaret’s Park, 230 S. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert)

Metro 24 Fitness trainers on Thursday demonstrated how to use the new outdoor exercise equipment at the fitness court at St. Margaret’s Park, 230 S. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert)

A ribbon-cutting was held on Thursday, Dec. 19, for the new fitness court at St. Margaret’s Park in Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert)

Pat Lawson of the St. Joseph Watchdogs neighborhood group spoke at the event Thursday at St. Margaret’s Park, Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright2019 by Mary Rupert)

UG Commissioner Brian McKiernan said the power of a community is the community coming together for shared goals and shared victories. (Photo copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert)

Metro 24 Fitness trainers on Thursday demonstrated how to use the new outdoor exercise equipment at the fitness court at St. Margaret’s Park, 230 S. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert)

Metro 24 Fitness trainers on Thursday demonstrated how to use the new outdoor exercise equipment at the fitness court at St. Margaret’s Park, 230 S. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert)

Metro 24 Fitness trainers on Thursday demonstrated how to use the new outdoor exercise equipment at the fitness court at St. Margaret’s Park, 230 S. 7th St., Kansas City, Kansas. (Photo copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert)

Dave Hurrelbrink of the Wyandotte County Parks Foundation board tried out the new exercise equipment at the fitness court at St. Margaret’s Park on Thursday. (Photo copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert)

Information is posted at the fitness court on exercises that can be done using the equipment there. (Photo copyright 2019 by Mary Rupert)