Grant Supports Outdoor Fitness Court At McCollum Park

DOWNERS GROVE, IL — The Downers Grove Park District plans to use grant money to partially fund the construction of a proposed fitness court at McCullom Park. The item was discussed during the park district board meeting on June 26.

The grant funds are part of the National Fitness Campaign (NFC) Grant Committee's Blue Cross Blue Shield Of Illinois Healthy Cities Grant. To receive the grant funds, the park district is required to adopt a resolution to use the funds for a fitness court, then arrange for the purchase and shipment of fitness court equipment.

If the park district were to change their minds about the fitness court, they could exit the grant agreement as long as they do so before the equipment is bought.

Additional requisite funding for the outdoor fitness court includes $145,000 to fund a fitness court studio. Park district documents show that the funds for this would come "developer donations and efficiencies" that are part of the board's Capital Projects Budget for fiscal year 2025.

If the project gets the green light, other costs will be funded in 2026, including the installation of concrete and the installation of the fitness equipment.

The National Fitness Campaign's outdoor courts feature built-in equipment that can be used for a "full-body workout in seven minutes," per the organization's website. The equipment is arranged in seven zones that focus on core development, squatting, pushing, pulling, lunging, bending and agility.

The fitness courts are intended to be accessible for adults of various ages and mobilities.

The motion to approve the fitness court grant resolutions was unanimously approved by commissioners.

Further discussion will take place in July, with a final vote set for August. Per NFC's timeline, the goal is to launch the park by June 2026.