METROPOLIS, IL — Metropolis officials announced plans this week to install an outdoor fitness court at Lincoln Park, marking what would be the first such facility in Illinois. The project received a $50,000 grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois through the Southern Seven Health Department and the National Fitness Council.
Mayor Chris Jeffords informed Ward 1 Alderwoman Darcie Longworth of the grant last week and asked her to lead the fundraising campaign for the remaining costs. The three-phase project requires $180,000 in additional funding beyond the grant amount, money that is not currently budgeted by the city.
“Within minutes of sending the email out, one business owner reached out to me wanting to know where to take the donation,” Longworth said in a statement posted to social media on Thursday.
The outdoor fitness court would provide free exercise equipment and programming designed for adults, seniors and families. Longworth emphasized that the facility would complement rather than compete with existing private gyms in the area, including Thor’s Gym, The Zone and Battlefield Fitness.
“This outdoor fitness court would be a way to introduce exercise to adults, our seasoned seniors and families,” Longworth said. “It would be a way to help engage more people to working out and may lead them to want to join one of our local gyms.”
The fitness court project is part of broader improvements planned for Lincoln Park. The city council voted last fall to resurface and reseal the park’s old tennis courts. Mayor Jeffords also indicated that Franklin Park would receive similar improvements.
Longworth proposed establishing two basketball courts at Franklin Park and converting Lincoln Park’s courts into two tennis courts and two pickleball courts. She also suggested eventually transforming the park’s soccer field into a permanent community garden once it is no longer needed for practices.
Additional plans include potentially relocating the city’s farmers market to Lincoln Park, which Longworth said would provide better accessibility and visibility.
“I know my mom would like to go to the farmers market, but she doesn’t do well walking on the uneven surface of grass,” Longworth said. “Having the farmers market at Lincoln Park would also be right on the main street and more people may be enticed to stop by.”
The alderwoman acknowledged that some residents may question seeking donations for municipal projects, but noted that many cities successfully complete improvements through partnerships with individuals, corporations and organizations.
“So many times I am in other communities and small towns and see things that are so neat and think to myself, ‘Why can’t we have that here?'” Longworth said. “Well, I’m tired of always thinking that. It’s time we start making improvements to our parks.”
Residents interested in donating to the outdoor fitness court project or seeking additional information have been encouraged to contact Longworth or Mayor Jeffords directly.
