Sedgwick County holds ribbon-cutting for new exercise park

(Sedgwick County, Kan.) – Today, Sedgwick County celebrated the completion of a new outdoor fitness area designed for adults ages 60 and older at Sedgwick County Park. Sedgwick County commissioners and leaders were joined by the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) for the ribbon-cutting.

The Get Active In Nature (G.A.I.N.) 60+ Exercise Park features 11 resistance-based and strength-based exercise stations, five which are wheelchair accessible, and accommodates up to 28 simultaneous users. The center is shaded and was designed to be inclusive for individuals with mobility issues and physical limitations, as well as their families or caregivers. It is located next to the Sunrise Boundless Playscape with the goal of intergenerational connection and activity.

“This inclusive fitness area will encourage multigenerational engagement and physical wellness and adds another feature for families to enjoy at Sedgwick County Park,” Sedgwick County Board Chairman Ryan Baty said. “I want to thank my commissioners for their approval and our staff, including at the Department of Aging and Disabilities, for their work on this project and for providing our citizens a safe area to be active and socialize.”

The Sedgwick County Board of Commissioners approved the project and an amendment to the Capital Improvement Program on July 9, 2025. The park is a partnership between Sedgwick County, the Central Plains Area Agency on Aging (CPAAA) and KDADS. It was funded by an $180,000 grant from KDADS. The Sedgwick County Department of Aging and Disabilities (SCDAD) and Parks departments will be responsible for upkeep and maintenance.

“The initiative promotes physical activity, social engagement and overall wellness in a welcoming, low-impact environment,” SCDAD Deputy Director Monica Cissell said. “This is a space where families can come to be active together and spend time in nature for free. We are thankful for the partnership between SCDAD, CPAAA and KDADS in helping make this goal a reality.”

Equipment at the park features signs explaining instructions for how to use each machine, along with QR codes featuring video demonstrations. For more information, visit Sedgwick County Parks.