OROVILLE — The new Fit-Trail System, designed and implemented in collaboration between Butte County Public Health and the Feather River Recreation and Park District, has been installed at Riverbend Park and is ready to use.

Six new pieces have been placed throughout the park, each with specific exercises and stretches in mind, mostly focused on body weight, such as dips, hops and squats.

Grace Newens was getting some disc golf in before the rain was expected Thursday. Newens expressed gratitude for having the new equipment to utilize for warming up.

“A lot of people come here, walk their dogs and do CrossFit and stuff,” Newens said. “I really like having the extra equipment around for stretching and then going and playing disc golf. For people running it really does help. I also like how they’re stationed everywhere all the way around the park so you’ve got different ones you can use.”

Nearby, Sam Wilson was wrapping up her walk for the day. While Wilson said she hasn’t had a chance to use the equipment, she supports building it.

“I think it’s a great idea,” Wilson said. “I think when the weather warms back up a bit it will be used a lot.”

Lori Mattos Hungerford, the Butte County Public Health program coordinator, stressed the importance of implementing outdoor gyms into local parks.

“Exercising is vital when it comes to improving our physical and mental health,” Mattos Hungerford said. “Outdoor gyms are unique in their ability to promote activity in parks that appeal to a wide variety of demographics.”

According to a press release issued Wednesday by Public Health, the addition of these structures is meant to remove barriers to exercise such as cost and time commitment by placing them in places that are frequently used and open to the public.

“Riverbend Park is an essential green space used by hundreds of visitors each day,” said Victoria Anton, the executive administrator for the Feather River Recreation and Parks Department. “The six-station circuit is a great addition to the site – the District is proud to provide accessible fitness opportunities to the community.”

While the equipment is installed, a ribbon-cutting event is scheduled for April 1, 2023, during the Wildflower and Nature Festival.