A non-operational children’s playground area outside the Anthem Community Center near the pool will soon be repurposed into an outdoor fitness area for teens and adults.
At its Nov. 17 meeting, the ACC board of directors approved the project, which includes removal of the existing worn playground equipment and rubberized play turf and replacement with new outdoor equipment, including structures such as a vertical climbing net/wall, suspension trainers, stepping equipment, magnetic bells and more, all at a cost not to exceed $160,000.
Director of Programs & Aquatics Scott Newell said the idea to repurpose the playground came after the ACC added an outdoor fitness area north of the gym which has proven popular with residents, especially during the pandemic.
Each piece of equipment will contain signage with QR codes to lead the user to suggested exercises and sample workouts, Newell said.
The project will be paid for from the ACC’s reserve fund, with funding that had already been set aside for the existing playground area.
Once complete, the equipment will be available for use by Anthem residents and their guests.
Revamped Skate Park Planned for February
Anthem’s existing skate park, currently undergoing an expansion with funding from the community’s enhancement fund, remains closed during construction.
The improved park includes incorporating the underused hockey rink area into a new design with the existing skate park to accommodate the growing volume of users, according to the ACC. The expanded park will allow all-wheel users, including skateboards, scooters, bikes, roller skates and in-line skates.
Completion on the $1.3-million project is slated for mid-February.