Fairfields Senior Center To Launch Adult Outdoor Fitness Area

Information from the Town of Fairfield:

FAIRFIELD, CT — The Bigelow Center for Senior Activities in Fairfield announced [on Wednesday] that the new Adult Outdoor Fitness Center for aging residents will officially open with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, July 8 at 1:30 p.m. First Selectman Bill Gerber will be joined by Connecticut Commissioner of Aging and Disability Services Amy Porter and Senior Center Coordinator and Municipal Liaison Claire Côté from the Bureau of Aging, in addition to Human and Social Services Director Julie DeMarco, Bigelow Center Director Brenda Steele, and Parks and Recreation Director Anthony Calabrese.

The Adult Outdoor Fitness Center was funded through the State Senior Center American Rescue
Plan Act monies and a State of Connecticut Grant for Fairfield Seniors, spearheaded by State
Representative Sarah Keitt. Key features of the fitness area include various accessible strength,
agility, and conditioning equipment tailored for individuals with disabilities or physical
limitations. Specialized equipment includes custom balance stations, swings, cross trainers, leg
presses, chest presses, and arm and leg bikes, all designed to be enjoyed outdoors in fresh air.

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“The objective of the fresh air fitness center is to reconnect aging residents with community
services, promote physical activity, and mitigate the negative impacts of isolation and unmet
social needs exacerbated by the pandemic,” said DeMarco. “The outdoor set up will, hopefully,
alleviate lingering fears of disease transmission by providing a safe, open-air environment.”

The outdoor center is designed to address the reluctance of seniors to participate in indoor
activities due to COVID concerns, she added. “The primary goal is to reintegrate aging residents
into community activities and attract new participants, combatting social isolation and
loneliness.”

“The Town of Fairfield is committed to providing the support that aging residents need to remain
active and engaged in our community,” First Selectman Gerber said. “The location at the popular
Bigelow Center for Senior Activities makes age and ability-appropriate exercise easy to access
and will bring more people of all ages together.”