New ‘Fitness Zones’ promote healthy outdoor play to young people

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF) – The Scenic City has a new Fitness Zone to help residents develop healthier lifestyles.

Now there are six of them.

Three of the Fitness Zones were installed this year, and the latest one drew a host of city and community leaders for its official opening.

City officials say these workout areas are a great way to introduce healthy outdoor play to young people in at-risk neighborhoods.

Each exercise facility costs $100,000.

Money provided from Blue Cross Blue Shield and the Youth and Family Development Department covers the cost of the projects.

“You’re going to see not only just athletes use these things but you’re going to begin to see just regular little children use them,” said Moses Freeman, Chattanooga city councilman. You are going to see family members come in to supervise them. And then you’re going to see family members who are going to try it out. And the next thing you know there’s going to be a change in that family.”

The Fitness Zones are free for residents to use.