When it came time to design a park with recreational options for all ages, the Apex Parks & Recreation Department in North Carolina wanted something unique. They partnered with BCI Burke Playground Equipment and Barrs Recreation to create a one-of-a-kind experience that combines fun and fitness for all ages and abilities.

Located on the eastern end of Apex, North Carolina, the sprawling, 160-acre space features a wide range of outdoor activities. The 50-acre lake is ideal for fishing, canoeing, kayaking, and sailboarding — a great respite on those steamy North Carolina summer afternoons. With three ball fields, two batting cages, two soccer fields, three sand volleyball courts, six tennis courts, and four basketball courts — one fenced off for roller hockey — there is no shortage of sports activities. Over three miles of developed nature and fitness trails provide quiet respite in a beautiful natural setting, and commercial playground equipment for children ages 2-12 rounds out the picture.

Elevate Fitness, Elevate Fun

Even with all those activities, Apex Community Park lacked a space where families, friends, teams, and classes could meet to work out together. Enter the ELEVATE® Fitness Course!

Inspired by the fast-growing trends in outdoor fitness equipment and obstacle courses, the Apex Parks & Recreation Department teamed with BCI Burke and Barrs Recreation to provide an exciting way to gain and maintain fitness, train, and just enjoy time outside with friends, family, and neighbors. John Brown, Director of Parks, Recreation & Cultural Resources in Apex, is thrilled that North Carolina families in and around the Apex community have access to all the opportunities the new ELEVATE Fitness Course provides.

“There is no question that adding an ELEVATE Fitness Course helped us to create a destination not only for residents of Apex, but for surrounding communities, too,” he said.

BCI Burke Coaches Work with Kids, Test Course

Once the course was installed, extensive testing took place over a 6-8 week period. Twenty-two kids of different fitness levels and interests were brought in for strength training and conditioning. BCI Burke Fitness Coaches DJ Thompson and Jenn Pontrello worked with the kids to help them acclimate to the course.

“I think the ELEVATE Course is a great way to incorporate working out and being active,” DJ said. “With the birth of iPads and stuff, I want them to be outside more and be active more so they enjoy working out. I call it a lifestyle.”

The kids were first tested for speed, so the coaches could see how fast they were able to navigate the obstacle course, and strength at individual stations. Then DJ and Jenn had them focus on strength training and conditioning. It didn’t take them long to see results.

“The end results were amazing,” Jenn said. “It just blew our minds, in that short period — and they did it in a fun environment. They loved it. Everything is a game, and it’s easy to do, because you’re out here and you have really cool equipment to do it on.”

The Door Knob Jam was everyone’s ultimate challenge. Designed to work the upper body and core, it helped the kids build strength while gaining confidence…all in a unique setting.

“Take people out of a gym setting and put them on a fun course like ELEVATE, without even knowing it, you’re getting stronger and better at things you probably don’t work on in a gym,” DJ observed.

“As a coach, it’s so rewarding to see their faces,” Jenn added. “They were so excited!”

Activities for All Ages & Abilities

While the ELEVATE Fitness Course was designed with teens in mind, the Apex Parks & Recreation Department plans to use it to create wellness programs for North Carolina individuals of all ages and abilities.

Apex Community Park is open from 6:30 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. year-round. In addition to the ELEVATE Fitness Court and other attractions, there are picnic areas, grills, and reservable shelters for gatherings of various sizes. If you’re in the area, stop by and check it out!

For information on adding an ELEVATE Fitness Course to your new or existing commercial playground equipment, contact the experts at Barrs Recreation.