Fredericton city workers are busy installing exercise equipment at a new recreation site near the walking trail on University Avenue that is being designed for adults.

This playground will be different from many in the capital city and will include parallel bars, climbing ladders and balance beams intended for adults and not chlidren.

Coun. Kate Rogers, who represents the ward where the adult fitness site is being located, said the hope is people will use the equipment while they are out running or cycling on the walking trail.

"The idea is that people can be using the trail and doing more aerobic activity and then stop to do some resistance training, which we know now is an important component of our exercise," she said.

Rogers said these outdoor fitness sites are common in the United States, Europe and in some other parts of Canada.

The city is paying $23,000 to purchase the equipment and have it installed.

The adult fitness is located at a popular section of the trail network near University Avenue.

Rogers said many Fredericton residents requested the city invest in the outdoor equipment. The councillor said it fits into the city’s goal of getting more people onto the trail network.

"It is to give a little versatility to our trail," she said.

"The city invests a lot in our trail system and we want to make it as user friendly and as versatile as possible to encourage people to lead healthy lifestyles."

She said this adult fitness site is intended to be a test and if it is as popular as expected another could be added in the city.