The Leadership Macon Class of 2017 invites the media, partners, and public to the official Grand Opening of its community project, a Fitness Circuit at Amerson River Park. The event will be held at the Circuit on Wednesday, August 29 at 10:00 a.m. People can park in the lot by the playground and follow the signs to the Circuit. To watch a video from the project’s groundbreaking ceremony, click here.
The Circuit includes eight pieces gym-quality exercise equipment (including instructions on how to maximize use of each machine) from Greenfields Outdoor Fitness which can serve up to 23 people at once. To fund the Fitness Circuit, the Class of 2017 raised more than $45,000 in direct sponsorships and more than $10,000 from in-kind donations from corporate and community members.
The Class (made up of 49 members) picked the Fitness Circuit to help combat the rise in community obesity and decline in overall health. It is a one-of-a-kind amenity in the Macon-Bibb community and makes physical activity and fitness equipment more enjoyable, free, and accessible. The project has a purpose to reduce the barriers such as access and money to a life of health and well-being, and it can serve a diverse range of users, including children, adults and those with physical limitations.
“Our class wanted to find a project that would be of lasting impact to our community and hopefully leave our neighbors a little better off than they were before,” says Class representative Spencer Hawkins. “Having the ability to pay for an expensive gym membership should not be an obstacle to leading a healthy lifestyle.”
The Fitness Circuit will also enhance the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail and Amerson River Park. Leadership Macon worked alongside the local public and private organizations, especially NewTown Macon and Macon-Bibb County, which have already invested in the area.
“Putting the Fitness Circuit here was a great idea because thousands of people come here every week, and there’s rarely a time when there aren’t people jogging or walking along the trails,” says Parks & Beautification Director Sam Kitchens. “Already, this has been a popular addition to the Park, and I know more and more people will use it as they realize it’s here.”
“The Ocmulgee Heritage Trail that connects with Amerson River Park is one of the few amenities that benefits the entire community, and NewTown is anxious to work with everyone who has good ideas, energy, and resources to improve and expand the Trail,” said NewTown Macon President and CEO Josh Rogers, “We are deeply grateful to Leadership Macon Class of 2017 for adding this substantial improvement to Amerson River Park and the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail system.”
About Leadership Macon
Leadership Macon is a year-long program of the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce. The program providesleadership training and community orientation to individuals seeking to become more involved in the growth and development of Macon-Bibb County.
It introduces a class of upcoming community leaders to the attributes of and challenges to Macon-Bibb County so that the class can explore possible projects and solutions, interact with political and community leaders, and develop relationships that will benefit each class member and the community for years to come. Class members attend a weekend retreat at the beginning of the year, followed by monthly seminars on such topics as Housing, Education, Servant Leadership, Economic Development, Race Relations, Tourism, and Local Government.
Throughout the years, Leadership Macon has also promoted civic responsibility by encouraging community involvement, as well as breeding enthusiasm and dedication. Leadership Macon’s ultimate goal is for its participants to enrich the community through active participation in shaping its future. For more information, visit www.leadershipmacon.com. For more information, visit www.maconchamber.com/programs-leadership.php
About the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce
Established in 1861, the Greater Macon Chamber of Commerce is the area’s largest business services organization and primary advocate for the Macon business community. The Chamber supports the growth and development of business by offering networking and marketing opportunities, providing valuable benefits to its members, advocating for legislative issues that will promote a healthy business climate, and participating in the economic development efforts for Macon-Bibb. For more information, visit www.maconchamber.com.
About Amerson River Park
Improving the Quality of Life for residents of the entire region is one of the Focus Areas in Macon-Bibb County’s Forward Together Strategic Plan. The extension and improvement of the Ocmulgee Heritage Trail into Amerson River Park is one of the strategies identified to make that happen.
With the help of a federal earmark grant ($5.5 million) provided to Macon-Bibb County, the Park was shut down for 15 months to make significant improvements, including two new picnic pavilions, upgrades to the Porter Pavilion area, a scenic river overlook, bathrooms at the playground, 3.5 miles of paved trails, 0.75 miles of mulch trails, a grand entrance, a new canoe takeout, and more.
About NewTown Macon
NewTown Macon is a non-profit organization that leads revitalization efforts in Downtown Macon, Georgia. NewTown’s mission is to attract, leverage and invest in self-sustaining transformation with the vision of a vibrant and authentic city experience unparalleled in the South. More information about NewTown can be found at www.newtownmacon.com.