YSU, CityScape, city partner for new fitness equipment at Wick Park

Youngstown State University students and employees, Mercy Health employees, North Side residents and others will be able to work out on new fitness equipment installed at Wick Park under a partnership between YSU, Youngstown CityScape and the city of Youngstown.

“Wick Park is an ideal site for this collaboration,” said Joy Polkabla-Byers, director of YSU Campus Recreation. “It is in the heart of the city and less than a quarter mile from the YSU campus. It is nearby for numerous city residents and for many YSU student residence halls and living areas.”

Sharon Letson, executive director of Youngstown CityScape, noted that that the park, located just north of the YSU campus, is a great location for employees of Mercy Health, St. Elizabeth’s downtown campus, and Ursuline High School students to utilize for achieving their health and wellness goals.

In fall 2015, Youngstown CityScape received funding from the Western Reserve Health Foundation to replace the deteriorated, wooden, 35-year-old outdoor fitness equipment located throughout the park.

Equipment was selected after research and discussions with the YSU departments of Campus Recreation and Housing & Residence Life, the city and stakeholders around the park. The research included assessing the needs of current and potential users, including YSU, Ohio Living Park Vista Community, Ursuline High School, Beatitude House and North Side neighborhood organizations.

YSU Campus Recreation and Housing & Residence Life agreed to provide significant additional funding, more than doubling the resources available for equipment and surfacing.

In the end, the partners selected Game Time Fitness Equipment, a leading manufacturer of playground and outdoor fitness equipment. Installation was completed earlier this month. The project provides new, laminated fitness-focused equipment. The new equipment offers a way to work on cardio, stretching, balance, and mobility. All stations have a high-density, poured rubber surface for the grounding, meeting all American Society for Testing and Materials guidelines.

Campus Recreation will conduct organized training and fitness classes incorporating the exercise equipment.

Caption: One of the new fitness stations in Wick Park, along Fifth Avenue with Park Vista in the background.