Conestoga taking fitness into THPRD parks

THPRD is well known for the rich variety of activities it offers this time of year – summer camps, outdoor pools, concerts, Party in the Park, Big Truck Day -- the list goes on and on.

We can now add Fitness in the Parks, a new program that brings group fitness classes to several THPRD parks. A companion program, Walk with Me, provides guided 2-3 mile walks on district trails.

Both programs are free all summer long. All fitness levels are welcome and no registration is required.

Sabrina Taylor Schmitt, center supervisor at Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center, is spearheading the new program, which represents one more way that THPRD is expanding its outreach to provide health and wellness opportunities to more residents of the Beaverton area.

“People will experience higher fitness levels and a better overall quality of life,” Taylor Schmitt said. "By removing barriers to participation and meeting people at their community park, we are providing a safe place for people to exercise and learn about THPRD programs."

The programs are being piloted at parks near Conestoga and trails in the nearby powerline corridor, particularly the Westside Regional Trail that extends through south Beaverton. Many classes are in neighborhoods with higher concentrations of low-income, minority, youth, senior, and non-English-speaking residents.

“It works to ensure a healthy environment for all regardless of race, nationality, income, gender or age,” Taylor Schmitt said.

THPRD's 55-minute Fitness in the Park classes -- taught by some of the same instructors who lead Conestoga’s indoor classes -- will meet up to three times a week through Sept. 1. The one-hour Walk with Me sessions will be held once a week, through Aug. 23.

If successful, the programs may be expanded to other parts of the district next year.

For a complete schedule of Fitness in the Park and Walk with Me events, visit http://www.thprd.org/fitness-in-the-park.