Rustico makes room for adults to play
Last Updated: Wednesday, November 4, 2009 | 5:22 PM AT
CBC News
Alison Larkin and fellow firefighter John Paul Doucette at the outdoor fitness centre. (CBC) A North Shore P.E.I. community has included grown-ups in a recent renovation of a community playground.
Much of the equipment in North Rustico's adult playground, which is right next to the new children's playground, is similar to what would be found in at a gym, with gear for working different muscle groups. But there is some swing-like equipment as well.
Volunteer firefighter Alison Larkin is a regular with fellow firefighter John Paul Doucette. Larkin told CBC news Tuesday she was initially skeptical.
"We went on it this summer and realized, you know, it's pretty fun," she said.
The outdoor fitness centre was built next to the kids' playground to give parents an opportunity to exercise while keeping their eyes on their children.
Outdoor fitness equipment is popular overseas, but is relatively new to Canada. There are similar centres in B.C, Alberta, Ontario, New Brunswick and Newfoundland and Labrador.
The new equipment cost $30,000, most which came from the provincial and federal governments, but North Rustico had to raise $7,000 of its own. It took a year to raise the funds, with help from the Lions Club and donations from businesses.
"Once the word was out of what we were doing, it wasn't hard to convince people that this was a worthy project," said community chair Dave Blacquiere.
"We've had an awful lot of people come down here and use it and of course we expect more and more as time goes on as people become aware of it."
The only disadvantage is the equipment may not get much use in the winter months, but the cold weather won't stop Larkin.
"I like playing in the snow still, snow suit, bundle up, and we'll get out."
